Russian troop movements hint at a major counteroffensive in Kursk
Are the Russians preparing to attempt to retake the territories controlled by Ukraine? A detailed analysis of the frontline situation suggests this possibility. Putin's army has limited troop movements in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia, which could signal a strong counteroffensive in the Kursk region, where the Ukrainian Armed Forces have struck.
Since August, Ukrainian armed forces have been attacking several localities in the Kursk region. In total, the Ukrainian army has taken over 580 square miles of land within the Russian Federation.
Recently, the impressive charge has lost momentum. Since early September, Ukrainians have achieved only symbolic gains. Moreover, the Russians have already managed to retake some of Ukraine's territory.
Russia may be preparing for a major counteroffensive to reclaim lost territory. The Russian army has increased the number of soldiers to 40,000, and more forces are arriving in border towns, which may be just the beginning of a broader operation.
Is Russia preparing for a counteroffensive? Troop movements suggest as much
Journalist and war correspondent Marcin Ogdowski writes on the Interia portal that Russian troop movements at the front indicate one thing: Vladimir Putin may be considering retaking lost territories.
The Russian army has halted the offensive on Pokrovsk in Donbas (causing considerable concern among Ukraine's allies) and reduced pressure on the front in Zaporizhzhia. Meanwhile, the last of Vladimir Putin's regular army formations has left Belarus.
Why might the Russian dictator be so keen on retaking the lost territories? During potential negotiations, Putin wants to take the "land for land" card out of Kyiv's hands. According to experts (including those from the Centre for Eastern Studies), the war is inevitably approaching, and negotiations will be necessary for both sides of the conflict.
