Ukrainian Forces Withdraw from Kursk Region, Russian Experts Warn of Potential Renewed Attacks
Moscow, August 24, 2024 -The Ukrainian military has partially withdrawn forces from the Kursk region of Russia, according to Russian officials and military experts. While the move is seen as a tactical shiftby some, others warn of potential renewed attacks by Ukrainian forces.
Major General Alexei Araulov, Deputy Chief of the Military-Political Directorate of theRussian Ministry of Defense, stated on August 21 that Ukrainian troops had been pushed back and suffered significant losses in the Kursk region. He confirmed the partial withdrawal, suggesting a redeployment to other fronts.
“The enemy wasmet with resistance and suffered heavy losses. In fact, some units are withdrawing. As far as I know, the purpose is to transfer them to other directions,” Araulov said.
Military expert Yuri, quoted by the Moscow Komsomolets newspaper on August 22, echoed the Ministry of Defense’s assessment. He believes that the Ukrainian military’s primary objectives in the Kursk region have not yet been achieved.
“We believe the Ministry of Defense’s statement. Currently, the main tasks of the Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region have not been completed. Now the enemy has changed tactics, using smaller units for attacks, while the rest of the troops are being used cautiously. The enemy has not abandoned plans to advance further. However, they are unable to make progress and cannot secure new positions,” Yuri said.
Another military expert, Borishenko, expressed concerns that the withdrawing Ukrainian forces could attempt attacks on any part of the Russian border. He emphasized the importance of monitoring Ukrainian troop movements given the extensive border between the two countries.
Former Kursk region governor, Alexander Rutskoi, advocated for a more aggressive response to Ukrainian incursions. In an interviewwith the Russian newspaper, Vedomosti, on August 22, Rutskoi called for the use of airstrikes and a strong blockade to cut off Ukrainian supply lines. He suggested massive strikes using aircraft and artillery against Ukrainian troop concentrations.
Meanwhile, Ivan Allan, a columnist for the American Conservative magazine, warnedthat Ukraine’s attempts to establish a foothold in the Kursk region could lead to a disastrous outcome for Kyiv. He highlighted the vulnerability of Ukrainian forces in the region, surrounded on three sides by Russian troops and reliant on a long and fragile supply line.
“The Ukrainian armed forces are trying to play with fire inthe Kursk region. This could lead to a disaster for Kyiv. Ukraine is trying to hold a bridgehead in the Kursk region. Local Ukrainian troops are surrounded on three sides by Russian forces and connected by a constantly lengthening and more vulnerable supply line. This is dangerous and could lead to disaster. If the Ukrainian forces’ unreliable supply chain is cut off, they will be surrounded. If the Ukrainian forces suffer heavy losses in the Kursk region, the plight of the Ukrainian army will worsen,” Allan wrote in his article published on August 21.
On August 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a visit tothe Sumy region, bordering Russia, where he met with Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and the local military administration head. Zaluzhnyi briefed Zelenskyy on the situation at the front lines.
Simultaneously, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the situation in theBelgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk regions. According to Vedomosti, Bryansk region governor Alexander Bogomaz reported that Russian forces had thwarted an attempt by a Ukrainian reconnaissance and sabotage group to infiltrate the region in the past 24 hours. The situation is currently under control.
Russian media reported thatPutin has ordered funding from the federal budget for territorial defense in the Bryansk region.
While the Ukrainian withdrawal from the Kursk region could signal a shift in strategy, the potential for renewed attacks remains a significant concern for Russian authorities. The situation in the border regions continues to be volatile, with both sides employing various tacticsand strategies to gain an advantage.
【来源】https://news.ifeng.com/c/8cGs33GMXoF
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