Vladimir Putin’s frustration was palpable as he directed a cold stare at General Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s military chief, in a recent Kremlin video released on Wednesday. The Russian president was clearly displeased with the news from the Kursk region, where hundreds of Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks and air defenses, were advancing.
The incursion was unprecedented in the two-and-a-half years of conflict, as Ukrainian forces pushed into Russian territory. Russian soldiers were surrendering, and civilians in and around Sudzha were fleeing with whatever they could carry. This advance into Kursk, which the Ukrainian military made despite losing ground in eastern Donetsk, seemed designed to embarrass the Kremlin and force a redeployment of Russian resources.
Analysts like George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War noted that the Ukrainians achieved operational surprise and exploited Russia’s lack of readiness in its border areas. This tactic had previously worked in September 2022, when Ukrainian forces reclaimed much of the Kharkiv region.
The Russian regiment defending this sector had abandoned its positions, and several soldiers were captured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to those who had taken captives, helping to free Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia. Additionally, a missile attack destroyed a column of Russian reinforcements near Rylsk, possibly aided by Ukrainian hackers accessing Russian traffic cameras.
With minimal resistance and effective electronic warfare jamming Russian communications, Ukrainian brigades advanced more than 20 kilometers (12 miles) into Kursk within the first two days. By Friday, Russian authorities had lost control over at least 250 square kilometers of territory, including a key natural gas transit hub near the border. Despite Ukrainian claims of control over the facility, Gazprom confirmed that the pipeline continued to operate.
The attack has reignited anger and frustration within Russia, with calls for investigations into military decisions and protests from fleeing civilians. Russian bloggers and officials are expressing discontent, and there’s pressure on President Putin to address the situation.
While the Ukrainian forces are unlikely to hold such a large area permanently, the operation still serves several strategic purposes. It exposes weaknesses in Russian planning and may pressure Moscow’s decision-makers. Historical comparisons have been drawn to George Washington’s daring maneuvers during the American Revolution, highlighting the significance of such surprise attacks.
As Ukraine’s Kursk operation challenges Russia’s perception of security, it forces the Russian Defense Ministry into difficult decisions. Whether redeploying forces or employing different strategies, Russia faces the task of addressing this unexpected challenge while continuing its efforts in other conflict areas.