Russian troop buildup in Kursk raises stakes for Ukraine
Russia has moved large forces, numbering around 50,000 soldiers, to the Kursk Oblast, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the chief commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported on national television. Ukrainian forces entered the Kursk Oblast at the beginning of August.
According to information provided by the "Kyiv Independent," the most recent reports about Russian troops in this area came from President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. On September 19th, he indicated that about 40,000 enemy soldiers were stationed in the Kursk Oblast. Now, it is estimated that this number has significantly increased.
The Ukrainian forces have maintained their positions in Russia for over two months. However, according to an assessment by the "DeepState" conflict mapping project, Russian military forces have achieved some successes on the left flank of the front. This might hinder further advances by Ukrainians in this region. Particularly near Novoiwanovka, the Russians are trying to strengthen their positions and prepare for further offensive operations.
Meanwhile, officials from the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden have suggested that due to the continuous support of arms supplies and the concentration of Russian forces in the eastern part of Ukraine, the Ukrainian army may be able to maintain its positions in the Kursk Oblast for a longer time. Bloomberg conveyed this information.
Ukrainian offensive in Russia
On August 6th, the Ukrainians initiated a powerful mechanized assault that broke through Russian fortifications along the Ukrainian-Russian border. This action led to a rapid capture of 1,000 square kilometres of territory.
At the end of August, General Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian forces currently control 1,300 square kilometres of territory and about 100 localities in the Kursk Oblast.
