Putin’s Visit to Azerbaijan Strengthens Kremlin’s Relationship with Baku amid Growing Tensions with Armenia
Ukrainian Forces Make Progress in Kursk, Altered Dynamics of War
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced that Ukrainian forces are continuing to advance in Russia’s Kursk region following a major cross-border offensive that began 11 days ago. The surprise attack caught the Kremlin off-guard and has shifted the dynamics of the 30-month war between Ukraine and Russia.
In a recent update from Ukraine’s top military commander, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy, Zelenskiy stated on Telegram that Ukrainian forces have been strengthening their positions in the Kursk region and stabilizing more territory under their control. Since the incursion on August 6, Ukrainian forces have penetrated deep into Russian territory, capturing numerous settlements.
The unexpected move by Ukraine has seemingly strengthened Kyiv’s position in potential peace negotiations with Russia, as it now holds parts of Kursk and neighboring Russian regions. Experts suggest that Ukraine could leverage this territory in exchange for regions Russia has claimed to annex, such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya, in addition to Crimea.
The Kremlin has accused NATO of aiding Ukraine in planning the attack, which Washington denies. Russia has been embarrassed by the foreign occupation of its territory for the first time since World War II. The Kremlin has also hinted at escalating the conflict in an effort to intimidate Western countries from supplying Ukraine with powerful weapons like long-range precision rockets and F-16s.
As Ukrainian forces continue their advance in Kursk, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has accused Ukraine of using U.S.-made long-range rockets to destroy a key bridge in the Glushkov district, resulting in civilian casualties during evacuation efforts.
Ukraine claims to have captured 82 settlements across 1,150 square kilometers since the incursion began. The United States supports Ukraine’s defensive actions and justifies the use of U.S. weaponry. However, there are restrictions on certain weapon systems, such as long-range missiles, to prevent escalation.
The U.K.’s request to supply Ukraine with powerful Storm Shadow cruise missiles has been blocked by the United States, prompting Zelenskiy to emphasize the importance of long-range strike capabilities for weakening Russian positions.
In another setback for Ukraine, Germany has halted new financial and military aid due to budget constraints. However, promised aid will still be delivered, with future funds potentially coming from profits generated by Russia’s frozen assets.
The conflict has escalated with accusations of planned attacks on nuclear power plants and energy facilities. Both sides have targeted non-nuclear energy facilities during the war, causing significant damage.
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian forces have continued their advance, capturing hundreds of Russian troops for a potential prisoner swap. The incursion into Kursk has also led to evacuations in neighboring Russian regions.
As the conflict unfolds, both Kyiv and Moscow are facing mounting challenges and accusations. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military operations and diplomatic efforts shaping the trajectory of the war.
