12-8-2024 (KYIV) In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces have initiated a daring incursion into Russian territory, marking a significant shift in the dynamics of the war. The offensive, which began six days ago, has reportedly penetrated deep into Russia’s western Kursk region, catching the Kremlin off guard and forcing a hasty response from Moscow.
A high-ranking Ukrainian security official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, revealed that thousands of Ukrainian troops are participating in this audacious operation. “We are on the offensive,” the official stated, explaining that the primary objectives are to “stretch the positions of the enemy, inflict maximum losses, and destabilise the situation in Russia by exposing their inability to protect their own border.”
The scale of the operation appears to be substantial, with the Ukrainian official dismissing Russian claims of deploying 1,000 troops as a significant underestimation. “It is a lot more… Thousands,” the official asserted, highlighting the commitment of resources to this bold strategy.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, breaking days of official silence, acknowledged the offensive in his Saturday night address, declaring that Kyiv was “pushing the war into the aggressor’s territory.” This statement underscores a pivotal moment in the conflict, as Ukraine takes the fight directly to Russian soil for the first time on such a scale.
The Russian military, seemingly caught off-balance, has been forced to mobilise reserves and additional equipment while evacuating at least 76,000 civilians from border areas. Despite claims of repelling Ukrainian advances, the Russian defence ministry’s own statements suggest that Ukrainian forces have penetrated as far as 30 kilometres into Russian territory.
This offensive represents a stark reversal of fortunes. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has largely been on the defensive, grappling with manpower shortages and dwindling arms supplies. The cross-border operation into Kursk is being hailed as the largest and most successful of its kind by Kyiv to date.
The Ukrainian official was keen to emphasise that their forces would adhere to international humanitarian law while operating on Russian territory, explicitly stating, “There is no idea of annexation… We are operating in strict accordance with international law.” This stance contrasts sharply with alleged violations by Russian troops in occupied Ukrainian territories.
The offensive has not been without controversy on the international stage. The White House has indicated it is seeking clarification on the “objectives” of the incursion, reiterating its policy discouraging broader strikes inside Russia. However, the Ukrainian official suggested that Western partners were indirectly involved in the planning, citing the active use of Western-supplied arms in the operation.
As the situation unfolds, analysts speculate that this bold move may be an attempt to relieve pressure on Ukrainian troops along other parts of the extensive front line. However, the Ukrainian official noted that thus far, there has been little impact on fighting in the east, where Russian pressure continues unabated.
The incursion has inevitably led to increased retaliatory attacks on Ukrainian soil. An overnight missile strike near Kyiv tragically claimed the lives of a 35-year-old man and his four-year-old son, with President Zelenskyy alleging the use of a North Korean-made missile in the attack.
