Unexpected Ukrainian advance stuns Russia, puts Putin at risk

Ukrainians are unexpectedly occupying more localities in the Kursk region. This is a substantial blow for Vladimir Putin and all of Russia. British Colonel Hamish Bretton-Gordon, in an interview with The Sun, believes that if the President of the Russian Federation does not make quick adjustments, he may even pay with his life for the defeats his army is suffering.

Since August 6, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been conducting an operation in the Kursk region on Russian territory. The latest available information indicates that the Ukrainians have occupied an area of over 425 square miles, taking over more than 80 localities. In the meantime, they have captured hundreds of Russian soldiers.

For now, it is unknown what the goal of the Ukrainian military actions is. Experts say they want to relieve the troops fighting on their own territory, where unfortunately the Russians are conducting an offensive and managing to capture more swathes of territory. Currently, they are pushing with full force towards Pokrowsk - an important strategic point on the map.

Some see the Ukrainian strike on the Kursk region as an attempt to set the best conditions before negotiations on a ceasefire, followed by peace talks.

There is no doubt that the attack towards Kursk was a total surprise for Russia and a significant defeat for its army. It seems that the atmosphere in the Kremlin is grim.

Vladimir Putin was unavailable for some time after the attack on the Kursk region. Recently, the dictator has appeared in public again. He must respond to the actions of the Ukrainian forces on Russian territory. After all, this is the first such case since World War II where someone attacked its territory (bearing in mind that Russia is the successor of the former USSR). Colonel Hamish Bretton-Gordon, a 23-year officer of the British Army and an expert in chemical weapons, said in an interview with "The Sun" that Putin is skating on thin ice. He stated that he must act quickly not to lose power in Moscow.

If he doesn't, there'll be lots of his gangster chums who'll quite happily slip something in his tea and take over – believes Brett-Gordon. Putin is on thin ice and the temperature is getting hotter - he emphasized in the interview with the British newspaper.

At the same time, he admitted that Ukraine is achieving success perfectly, showing it can win this war. - "We should soon be in a position where they can come to some sort of negotiation that satisfies both sides," - said the British colonel.