Kursk incursion: Ukrainian offensive slows after three months of fighting

Ukraine's military incursion into Russia's Kursk region has reached its third month, with scores of settlements still under Kyiv’s control, marking a historic breach of Russian territory not seen since World War II. 

Despite early momentum, the Ukrainian advance has slowed, with little movement from either side in recent days, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The operation, which embarrassed the Kremlin, was seen as a major strategic and symbolic victory for Ukraine, proving to the world that its forces were capable of more than just defence. Ukrainian forces have secured a foothold of around 786 square kilometres (300 square miles), primarily around the town of Sudzha, with efforts underway to establish a second position near Veseloe village.

However, the situation remains at a stalemate. Ukrainian battalion commander Dmytro, who goes by the call sign “Kholod,” described the fighting as incremental, with Russian forces making small advances on the flanks of Ukraine’s position. “They take a street in a village, but we also counterattack and push them back,” he told CNN.

Russia has deployed an estimated 40,000 troops to defend the region, though early reinforcements were reportedly made up of conscripts and reservists. Analyst Mark Galeotti from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) noted that Moscow initially struggled to pull together experienced forces, relying instead on hastily gathered troops. “This is equivalent to scramping around your sofa cushions to find some small change,” Galeotti said.

In recent weeks, Russia has brought in more seasoned units, but the level of resources devoted to the conflict in Kursk remains limited, leading some residents to feel abandoned. Over 100,000 civilians have been displaced by the ongoing fighting, according to Russian authorities, with many others now living under Ukrainian control. Displaced individuals have been housed in shelters, as the war shows no sign of an immediate resolution.

The endgame of this unexpected Ukrainian incursion remains unclear. Analysts believe Kyiv’s foothold in Kursk may be intended as a morale boost and a potential bargaining chip in future negotiations, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is downplaying the situation, trying to contain the damage and avoid further military commitment.

By Khagan Isayev