Ukraine’s recent offensive into Russian border regions aims to pressure Moscow into “fair” negotiations over the ongoing war, according to Mykhailo Podolyak, an aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Podolyak stated that significant tactical defeats for Russia are necessary to compel a negotiation process.
As Ukraine consolidates its gains in the Kursk region, including cutting off parts of Glushovsky district by destroying key bridges, Russian forces are advancing towards Pokrovsk in Donetsk. This city is crucial for Ukraine’s defence and logistics. Ukrainian authorities have urged residents to evacuate quickly due to the rapidly advancing Russian troops.
The Institute for the Study of War noted that while Ukraine pressures Russia in Kursk, Russian forces maintain a high offensive tempo in Donetsk, emphasizing their commitment to advancing in eastern Ukraine.
Russia has accused NATO and Western countries of aiding Ukraine, particularly with Western-supplied equipment. However, British officials assert that Ukraine is legally entitled to use such equipment in its defense operations, including within Russia. The UK continues to withhold Storm Shadow missiles for strikes inside Russia, balancing support with caution.
The US views Ukraine’s incursion as a defensive move, allowing the use of US equipment, but is concerned about potential complications if Ukrainian forces target non-military objectives with American weapons.
Russian social media has shown footage of what is claimed to be destroyed or captured Western-supplied equipment, although some footage might be misleading. Russia’s defence ministry reported destroying a Ukrainian sabotage unit armed with NATO weapons in Kursk.
Since Ukraine’s offensive began on August 6, it has crossed the Russian border, causing embarrassment for Russian forces. The US and other Western nations have stated they were not involved in the planning of the attack and have avoided direct confrontation.
Currently, Ukrainian troops are reportedly around 30 km from the international border in Kursk. Despite claims from Russia of clearing some areas, Ukrainian advances and captured prisoners of war suggest ongoing clashes. The fighting has exposed vulnerabilities in Russia’s defences but Russian officials maintain that this “terrorist invasion” will not alter the course of the war, given Russia’s ongoing advances and numerical superiority.