Ukraine Advances In Kursk, Forces Russia To Redeploy Zaporizhzhia Troops

Ukraine's latest assault in Kursk is gaining more territory, including two villages, and has forced Russia to redeploy units from Zaporizhzhia in the south where it had been planning a new offensive.

The Ukrainians struck as the Russian command was rotating depleted forces out - including the decimated North Koreans. The Russians apparently had no operational reserve in the sector and so have been forced to transfer troops from Zaporizhzhia, far to the south, where they were supposed to be planning an attack. All of which underscores Russia's military weakness as ceasefire negotiations are about to begin. JL

Brendan Cole and John Feng report in Newsweek:

Ukraine's defense forces in Kursk, led by the 82nd Air Assault Brigade managed to secure new positions and "significantly improve their tactical situation." 500 personnel and 50 armored vehicles were deployed in the Ukrainian push. Russian troops have lost control over the settlements of Cherkasskaya Konopelka and Ulanok. Ukraine's forces advanced over a mile and half in the Russian oblast. The incursion has forced Russia to redeploy forces from southern Ukraine, preventing an attack which had been planned on the city of Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine's military says its offensive in the Kursk region where its troops are said to be making gains.

The Command of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces said that its forces had "successfully conducted offensive actions" in the Russian region.

It comes amid reports that six months into its incursion into Russia, Ukraine had seized new positions this month with what has been described as a "swift and unexpected maneuver." Newsweek has contacted the Russian Defense Ministry for comment. Ukraine said it made gains early into its incursion last August but Russian forces have managed to retake much of the territory in recent weeks. Ukraine claiming that it was rejuvenating its campaign in Kursk shows it has not given up on its fight for territory in the Russian region, which could be leverage in negotiations.

What To Know

The Command of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces published video on its Facebook page of what it described as new offensive operations in Kursk earlier this month.

The clip did not specify a date but it showed drone footage which has been sped up of military vehicles moving across roads and fields where explosions were seen.

The post was light on details but said that paratroopers of Ukraine's 82nd Air Assault Brigade had successfully conducted offensive actions in Kursk in coordination with support units, combat and logistical forces.

 

It added that Ukraine's defense forces managed to secure new positions and "significantly improve their tactical situation."

 

The Russian Ministry of Defense and Russian milbloggers on Telegram have acknowledged Ukraine's renewed push.

The Zapiski Veterana Telegram channel said around 500 personnel and 50 armored vehicles were deployed in the Ukrainian push. Another milblogger said Russian troops had lost control over the settlements of Cherkasskaya Konopelka and Ulanok.

 

Russian sources said Ukrainian troops attacked southeast of Sudzha, the city Kyiv had captured early in the incursion.

However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) also noted Russian advances in Kursk and that there was fighting northwest, west and southeast of Sudzha.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine's forces had advanced over a mile and half in the Russian oblast. He had previously said the incursion had forced Russia to redeploy forces from southern Ukraine, preventing an attack which had been planned on the city of Zaporizhzhia.

What People Are Saying

Ukraine's Air Assault Forces Command: "Working closely with support units, combat and logistical forces, paratroopers of the 82nd Separate Air Assault Bukovyna Brigade successfully conducted offensive actions in one front within Kursk Oblast."

 

Russian Defense Ministry statement: "Since February 6, Ukrainian armed formations have been launching counteroffensive actions toward the settlements of Cherkasskaya Konopelka and Ulanok in Kursk Oblast."

What Happens Next

Around 150,000 people have fled the Kursk oblast whose occupation by Ukraine delivers a blow to Vladimir Putin. Ukraine's announcement of gains shows its operation in Russian territory remains a top priority, which could be useful in the event of talks to end the conflict.