©Efe Yağız Soysal via Unsplash
Ukraine has achieved its largest ground advance since the Ukrainian army invaded Russia's Kursk province as a surprise counterattack two years ago.
The Ukrainian surprise attack on Russian territory began on August 6, 2024. Initially, Ukrainian forces quickly gained ground, but later the Russians counterattacked and recaptured part of their territory in western Russia. Kursk itself, as a Russian oblast, lies directly adjacent to Ukraine, with the city of Kursk about 100 kilometers from the border. The Kursk region is strategic because it borders Ukraine, making it a vulnerable Russian border zone. Militarily, the operation gave Ukraine a way to relieve pressure on other fronts and force Russia to move troops into the area.
It now appears that the Ukrainians are once again making increasing progress on several fronts.
"Ukrainian forces have carried out a series of counterattacks in several areas in recent months, making their most significant ground gains since the Ukrainian invasion of Kursk in August 2024," reports the authoritative think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). According to the institute, these include the recapture of most of northeastern Kuyansk, as well as several small gains for Ukraine on the southern and southeastern fronts. The ISW concludes that Kiev has also succeeded in repelling the dreaded Russian spring offensive.
How will Putin respond?
According to the ISW, Kiev is likely to "expand the medium-range strike campaign and continue counterattacks in vulnerable sectors of the front line, which will further hamper Russian offensive operations." After which it also emphasizes that Russia is, moreover, having great difficulty recruiting enough personnel to make up for the large losses.
©Efe Yağız Soysal via Unsplash - Ukrainian Army illustration image