Ukrainian offensive in Kursk: A strategic move changing the game
The Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk region does not strictly have a military objective; it is more of a "strategic demonstration." This marks a "turning point" because Western allies of Kyiv are maintaining a reserved stance on the matter, according to the French daily "Le Figaro."
9:54 AM EDT, August 13, 2024
The daily opines in its Tuesday editorial that the offensive in the Kursk region serves few purely military purposes. Beyond these, it aims to "increase the costs of the war for the Russians," create a sense of insecurity among them, and boost Ukrainian morale.
Another significant aspect is "demonstrating to Western countries that the restrictions imposed on the use of their weaponry are unnecessary."
This risky maneuver primarily hides a strategic demonstration. The war on the front has reached a stalemate, and something different needs to be tried. If the Kursk diversion forces the Russian military to pull back the frontline in Ukraine, so much the better, but for now, this has not happened, notes "Le Figaro." It adds, however, that even if it is a bluff doomed to fail, "the Russians will not forget it."
For this reason, according to the daily, "Kyiv's allies in the USA and Europe are watching the current events with curiosity and restraint."
"Washington pretends not to be aware and demands explanations from the Ukrainian General Staff, yet no one has questioned the legitimacy of waging war in Russia nor protested against the use of Western weaponry. In this sense, this episode constitutes a new turning point in the conflict," reads "Le Figaro."
