Ukraine's bold incursion into Russia reshapes war dynamics
Surprise offensive in Kursk Oblast marks first ground invasion of Russia since World War II, challenging Putin's authority and Western perceptions
Daily TribuneSurprise offensive in Kursk Oblast marks first ground invasion of Russia since World War II, challenging Putin's authority and Western perceptions
The bridge near the town of Glushkovo has been blown up.
Hafsa Khalil, BBC News
Ukraine has launched a daring incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, marking the first significant ground invasion of Russian territory by a foreign power since World War II. The operation, which began on August 6, has seen Ukrainian forces advance up to 12 kilometers into Russian territory across a 40-kilometer front. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims control over 74 Russian settlements, while Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reports that Ukrainian troops now hold about 1,000 square kilometers of Russian land.
The surprise offensive has dealt a significant blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin's prestige and has forced the evacuation of over 130,000 Russian citizens from the affected areas. Acting governor of Kursk Oblast, Alexei Smirnov, stated that 121,000 people had been evacuated or left the region on their own, with plans to evacuate a total of 180,000 people. The incursion has also prompted Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry to declare a federal emergency in neighboring Belgorod Oblast on 15 August.
While the territorial gains may seem small compared to Russia's vast landmass, the political implications are far-reaching. Russian political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin told The Kyiv Independent that the operation "has caused significant damage to Putin's prestige." The incursion has weakened the Kremlin's narrative of Russian invincibility and has fueled criticism from pro-war bloggers who question the leadership's preparedness and transparency.
The operation has also challenged Western perceptions of potential escalation risks. Despite previous Russian threats of nuclear retaliation or conflict with NATO if certain "red lines" were crossed, the ground invasion of Russian territory has not led to such dramatic consequences. This shift in understanding may influence Western support for Ukraine, as evidenced by U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham's praise of the operation as "brilliant," "bold," and "beautiful" during a visit to Kyiv.
However, the long-term impact of the Kursk operation remains uncertain. Russian political analysts suggest that its influence on Russia's domestic situation and Putin's image will depend on the duration and success of the Ukrainian advance. While the incursion has increased the possibility of a second Russian mobilization, such a decision would likely face significant public backlash. As the situation develops, both sides continue to engage in military operations, with Russia claiming advances in Ukraine's Donetsk region and ongoing strikes in Crimea.
(Sources: The Kyiv Independent, BBC News, Agence France-Presse)
