Ukrainian forces challenge Russia with unprecedented Kursk invasion

The stunning Ukrainian invasion of the western Kursk region in Russia represents the biggest challenge for the Russian leader since the Wagner mercenaries' uprising in June 2023, writes "The Washington Post." - It's a huge slap in the face for the president (Putin). For several days now, we have been unable to repel the enemy, said a Kremlin official.

The incursion of Ukrainian military units into the Kursk region and their advance has been ongoing for four days, despite assurances from the General Staff that "they will be crushed and expelled." For the first time since World War II, a foreign army has invaded the lands of the Russian Federation, which has astonished high-ranking state officials and businessmen close to the Kremlin.

The Washington Post reports that members of the bureaucratic and business elite have recently been discussing Vladimir Putin's potential plans to conduct military operations in neighboring NATO countries and seize cities such as Narva in Estonia.

- This is a significant blow to the reputation of the Russian authorities, the military, and Putin. For two and a half years, the territory of Russia, with the exception of the occupied territories in Ukraine, has suffered minimal damage. It came only from drones - said a prominent businessman to "WP," who requested anonymity.

- This really is a blow, because it's clear that the leadership received a signal from intelligence, but "no actions were taken" - admitted political scientist Sergey Markov, who is close to the Kremlin. - This is a failure of the entire intelligence system, and since Putin is responsible for it, it's clear this is a blow to Putin - he added.

For the military and the country's leadership, the invasion by the Ukrainian Armed Forces was a shock, according to four Russian officials who spoke with "The Moscow Times."

- It's a huge slap in the face for the president. For several days now, we have been unable to repel the enemy. A threat has emerged for the region and the population of Russia. This is not how a country confident of its victory behaves - stated an active state official.

According to those who have known Putin for a long time, at the Wednesday meeting with the security forces leadership and in Thursday's public speeches, judging by his facial expressions and gestures, he was "dissatisfied" and "frustrated."

At least four specialized Ukrainian assault and mechanized brigades are involved in the attack on the Kursk region, reports "Financial Times" and "The New York Times." One brigade can consist of 1,000 to 8,000 soldiers.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk, now a government advisor, explained in an interview with "FT" that the units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces demonstrated the ability to implement "new combined combat tactics" taught by Western instructors.

Military analyst Franz-Stefan Gadi from the International Institute for Strategic Studies described the situation to the NYT as a well-coordinated and planned combined armed operation. He noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have deployed electronic warfare systems to disrupt Russian operational control and have also positioned air defense systems in Kursk Oblast to protect their advancing forces. Gadi added that highly effective mechanized units are progressing at a steady rate.

The operation involves air, artillery, and missile systems.

Meanwhile, the Russian army has been conducting a continuous offensive in Donbas for months, and in May they entered the Kharkiv region, although they got bogged down in the border areas and were unable to advance according to plan towards the city itself.

Sources: New York Times, Washington Post, The Moscow Times, Forbes