Ukraine’s Kursk offensive surprises allies, challenges Kremlin - media

With Ukraine's military largely on the defensive and Russian forces making incremental advances this year, a cross-border assault into Russia’s Kursk region had been considered for some time before the recent surprise attack, according to an anonymous official.

Since the attack began a week ago, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief military commander reports that Ukrainian forces have taken control of approximately 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of the border area, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

This has forced over 120,000 residents to flee their homes as the operation extends into its second week. The Institute for the Study of War estimates the Ukrainian advance at around 800 square kilometers.

While President Joe Biden’s administration and the European Union have endorsed this unprecedented military presence on Russian soil since World War II, NATO allies have thus far refrained from forming an opinion. Kyiv did not disclose specific details about the Kursk operation until it was already underway, according to a Western intelligence official who wished to remain anonymous.

NATO allies do not oppose the incursion, though they are skeptical about Ukraine’s ability to maintain control of Russian territory, even if it takes weeks for Moscow to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk. The operation is seen as crucial in demonstrating Kyiv's ability to challenge the Kremlin, according to a NATO official familiar with the situation.

The cautious approach reflects the overall reluctance among Ukrainian allies to comment on the incursion. The potential risks are evident, particularly as Ukrainian forces are spread thin across a front line extending over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Donbas to the Dnipro River. Diverting experienced troops from other fronts could leave Ukraine more vulnerable.

Despite the unexpected nature of the Kursk offensive, the detailed planning suggests it is part of a larger strategic approach. Ukrainian forces have previously targeted energy infrastructure deep within Russia and conducted raids in Russia’s Belgorod region, often involving anti-Kremlin volunteers.

This recent attack aligns with Washington’s policy regarding Ukraine’s use of American-supplied weapons for self-defence, and the EU has labeled the operation as legitimate defence against aggression. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reiterated support for Ukraine’s defensive actions and acknowledged the inherent risks.

However, the Kursk attack represents a significant escalation, involving a large portion of Ukraine’s ground forces. Zelensky confirmed the operation, stating that Ukraine now controls areas previously used by Russia to strike the northeastern Sumy region.

Putin has pledged to "drive out the enemy" and secure the border. During a briefing, he cut off Kursk’s acting regional governor, who reported that Ukrainian forces had taken 28 towns and villages, leading to a significant displacement of the local population. Putin’s comments suggested that fighting within Russia might escalate further.