Ukrainian front under strain as Kursk gains erode amid pressure
Ukrainian forces are at risk of losing control over captured territories in the Kursk region, which could weaken the entire front line. Ukraine has already lost 40 percent of the territories it gained from Russia.
Ukrainian forces may lose control over a significant portion of the territories in the Kursk region that they captured during the August offensive. According to the Associated Press, the situation on the front is difficult, with communication delays and faulty tactics leading to personnel losses. Russia has concentrated over 50,000 soldiers in the region, including military personnel from North Korea.
Challenging situation on the frontline
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hoped that controlling the Kursk region would force Russia to negotiate. However, Ukrainian and Western officials fear that this strategy could weaken the entire front line. Some commanders on the front point to low soldier morale and question the decisions of the command.
Issues with communication and tactics
Commanders, who wish to remain anonymous, report that some orders are inadequate for the situation, and a lack of clarity regarding the enemy's position and their own forces hinders operations. One commander emphasizes that the intensity of the fighting makes it impossible to evacuate the fallen, further affecting morale.
Ukrainian forces were not prepared for Russia's aggressive response and are unable either to counterattack or withdraw. "There’s no other option. We’ll fight here because if we just pull back to our borders, they won’t stop," says one commander.
