**Ukraine’s Hold on Kursk Oblast May End**
Russian troops are moving to push Ukrainian soldiers out of Kursk Oblast. This could mean the end of Ukraine’s seven-month hold on a small part of Russia.
**A Strategic Retreat?**
Fearing they might be surrounded, Ukrainian troops have started to pull back towards the border. This comes just a day after Ukraine agreed to a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
**Experts’ Views**
Scott Lucas, a political scientist, says that Ukraine has already achieved some important goals by invading Russia and holding onto parts of Kursk Oblast. “It feels like we’re getting to a position where people are trying to settle the front lines in anticipation that we might have a set of negotiations,” he said.
Western and Ukrainian experts agree that losing the foothold in Russia could be significant for Ukraine’s mood both inside and outside the country.
**A Bargaining Chip**
Ukraine has been using its hold on Kursk Oblast as a bargaining chip for potential peace negotiations. The US and other Western countries have seen this move as crucial for any future talks.
**Russia’s Situation**
However, Russia’s inability to protect its own territory last August and its decision to pursue further invasion of Ukraine at the cost of keeping safe its own territory resulted in “negative sentiments” domestically.
**What Next?**
Ukraine will now have to decide whether to reinforce the Kursk salient by sending more troops or organizing a retreat to avoid what could be a disastrous scenario on the ground.