A surprise offensive launched by Ukraine in Russia’s Kursk region has caught the Kremlin off guard, forcing a dilemma on whether to divert more troops to defend Russia or to send new conscripts into the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin had initially assured that conscript soldiers would not be involved in hostilities, but the situation in Kursk has altered this delicate balance.
Frustrated Russian mothers have begun to complain about their sons being sent into active combat, prompting backlash and calls for their return from combat zones. The commander of a Chechen special forces volunteer battalion has defended the deployment of conscripts, emphasizing the importance of defending Russia and one’s faith.
Ukraine’s audacious move has advanced deep into Russian territory, capturing more land in a fortnight than Russia had in eight months. This unexpected success has surprised many military experts, who attribute it to Ukraine’s tactical analysis and ability to neutralize Russian drones.
Experts believe Ukraine is preparing for negotiations with Russia and urge Western allies to continue providing military aid without restrictions. Ukraine has claimed to use US equipment to advance its forces in Kursk, including cluster bombs and missiles to destroy Russian logistics bases.
The Royal United Services Institute sees Ukraine’s offensive as a strategic attempt to offset Russia’s economic and numerical advantage through surprise and maneuver. As the conflict escalates, the pressure on Russia to negotiate in good faith increases, highlighting the need for continued support for Ukraine.
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