Questions arise about the tactical purpose of the operation as Ukrainian forces breach Russian defences in Kursk Oblast. This is especially true given the intense fighting in Donetsk Oblast which puts Ukrainian defenses under severe pressure. Forbes reports that some Ukrainian military officials believe resources, such as Bradleys and Abrams tank, should be focused on the eastern front rather than in Kursk Oblast.
On 26 October, three top-of-the-line American-made vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces – a pair of M-2 Bradley combat vehicles and an M-1 Abrams–were seen in action in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. They breached Russian defences south of Novy Put. This was visible from a drone’s field of view. Forbes writes that the Donbas front urgently needs weapons and equipment in order to stop major Russian offensives.
Ukraine is trying to reclaim the territory lost by Russian forces in Donbas. After a series counteroffensives by Ukrainian troops, they have gained some ground, retaking important villages in the Donetsk oblast. The situation is still precarious. Russian forces have recently captured towns like Avdiivka, Vuhledar, and are advancing toward Pokrovsk. Russian officials claimed that by October 2024 they would have gained about 1,000 square kilometers in Donbas.
The report states that the Bradleys advanced using smoke as cover and firing their automatic guns with support from Abrams. The Russian forces’ attempts to repel the attack by using nearby treelines were unsuccessful. The publication questions the purpose behind this action given that Novy Put, in Donetsk Oblast is far away from Kurakhove, where critical battles currently take place.
“While the elite 47th Mechanized Brigada–the only unit in Ukraine to use M-2s and M-1s –wins meaningless battles outside of a Russian border town, a battered Ukrainian Air Assault brigade–the 79th–is barely holding on to its defensive line in Illinka, 6 miles south of Kurakhove. Illinka’s fall will likely lead to Kurakhove’s as well. If Kurakhove falls the Russians can squeeze half a dozen Ukrainian brigades in a salient at southern Donetsk oblast. The Russian army has used this tactic to devastating effect over the past few months.
Aseyev explains how Russians continue to use this tactic. They surround Ukrainian positions on three sides, leaving a narrow “throat”, which is used for retreat. Even combat-capable troops are often frightened by the idea of being surrounded, leading them to retreat.
Journalists claim that if the Ukrainian Defense Forces are to lose these territories, then they will be forced to desperately hold onto the fortress of Pokrovsk. If Pokrovsk falls, the entire eastern Ukrainian defense line could collapse.
The report states that, while the stakes in eastern Ukraine are high, they remain ambiguous for Kursk Oblast. Early in August, strong Ukrainian forces with many advanced foreign vehicles invaded and quickly captured hundreds of square kilometers. Although this was a tactically impressive feat, the strategic implications of the attack are still unclear.
“If Ukraine tried to draw significant Russian troops into Kursk to deplete Russian forces in eastern Ukraine it failed. Russia was able to counterattack at Kursk without slowing down its offensive in Donetsk. If Ukraine wants to hold a part of Kursk to trade for parts of Russian occupied Ukraine in future peace negotiations, then it is apparently betting that it will not lose more Ukrainian land as a result of the invasion. Forbes notes that this is not a safe bet.
Some Ukrainian military personnel have the same doubts regarding the value of the Kursk Oblast, amidst the battles over Illinka and the risk of losing Kurakhove or Pokrovsk. They believe that Bradleys and Abrams are needed in eastern Ukraine to help contain the Russian offensive.
Related:
Russia uses golf carts, motorcycles and other vehicles to attack Donetsk Oblast
DeepState: Reports of Russian forces entering the Selydove City Council building
* ISW : Ukrainians advance near Toretsk and Pokrovsk while Russians gain ground nearby Chasiv Yar and Kurakhove
Frontline report: Ukrainian troops decimate Russian recon units, and halt the advance in Toretsk by using coal mine heights
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