Surprise Ukrainian offensive destabilizes Russian border regions

Ukrainians have moved the war onto Russian territory. Fighting has been ongoing in the Kursk region since last Tuesday (August 6). The Russians were completely surprised by this strike. Vladimir Putin suddenly disappeared under mysterious circumstances. He spoke only once after the Kyiv strike. What is happening?

Since Tuesday (August 6), the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been conducting operations on enemy territory, specifically in the Kursk region. Recordings have surfaced online showing Ukrainian soldiers capturing additional footholds and smaller localities near the border.

This attack is a total surprise for the Kremlin. The Ukrainian military's action is very dynamic. For now, it is very difficult for the Russians to counteract it. Vladimir Putin took part in a meeting with the government on August 7. The dictator stated that the opponent's actions are a terrorist operation. He spoke of a large-scale provocation. However, up to this point, he has only spoken once about Ukraine's offensive—on the mentioned August 7. Afterward, Putin suddenly disappeared. As "Fakt" notes, other representatives of the Russian regime spoke about the Ukrainian assault.

According to available information, over 76,000 people were evacuated from border areas in Russia due to the attack. Three days after the operation began, Moscow declared an "anti-terrorist operation" in three regions bordering Ukraine: Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.

The goal is to stretch the enemy's positions, cause maximum losses, and destabilize the situation in Russia, as they are unable to defend their own border, said an anonymous Ukrainian security official quoted by AFP.

According to experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), who published a report on Monday (August 12) regarding the situation in Russia, the Ukrainian offensive has allowed them to gain the initiative on one section of the front. Since approximately November, the Kremlin had dominated the front.

In their view, Putin will have to decide on the prioritization of war efforts—whether to allocate more resources to defending Russia's border or continue pushing to capture more villages and towns in Ukraine.