ISW: Russia reinforces Kursk Oblast with 106th airborne division

Russian authorities have reportedly deployed additional elements of the Russian 106th Airborne (VDV) Division to Kursk Oblast and may begin redeploying more combat-experienced forces to support ongoing Russian counterattacks and future counteroffensive operations against Ukrainian forces in Russia. 

Footage published on September 11 purportedly shows elements of the Russian 137th VDV Regiment (106th VDV Division) participating in assaults northwest of Snagost, Caliber.Az reports via the US-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

ISW observed reports that elements of the 137th VDV Regiment were operating in the Siversk direction as of late August 2024. Elements of the 106th VDV Division's 51st VDV Regiment are also reportedly operating in Kursk Oblast.

Russian authorities have largely relied on poorly trained and equipped conscripts and small elements of Russian regular and irregular forces to address the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast thus far and will likely require additional manpower and more combat-experienced units to fully push Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast. Russian authorities may concentrate on additional elements of the 106th VDV Division and other more combat-experienced formations in Kursk Oblast as Russian forces continue counterattacks against the Ukrainian salient.

Notably, on August 6, 2024, amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a significant incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, marking a new phase in the conflict. The operation involved Ukrainian troops crossing the border and engaging with Russian Armed Forces and border guards.

By August 9, reports indicated that at least 1,000 Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks and armoured vehicles, had entered Kursk Oblast. The Institute for the Study of War reported that Ukrainian forces advanced approximately 10 kilometres into Russian territory over the course of two days.

Last week, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had captured around 100 settlements in the Kursk region and around 1,300 square kilometres of territory.

One aim of the incursion was to divert Russian forces away from the eastern frontline in Ukraine, where they continued to make incremental gains. Another apparent goal was to boost morale in the Ukrainian army after a torrid few months.