Kiev is compelling Moscow to relocate its military forces, according to ISW.
For several weeks now, combat operations have been happening in Russian soil. Experts believe that for the first time, Russia is withdrawing soldiers from Ukraine to safeguard the Kursk region. Concurrently, Moscow has decided to alter its approach on the Donbass front.
As per the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian forces have been making progress in the Russian region of Kursk, leading Moscow to pull out troops from the invaded neighboring country for the first time. Some Russian units have been relocated from Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine to strengthen Kursk's defense, based on posts from demobilized soldiers on social media. Nevertheless, Russia aspires to preserve the primary thrust of its assault in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
Officially, Kyiv hasn't released new statements pertaining to this advance into Russia. Meduza, a Russian exile media portal, indicates that the most intense fighting is occurring along the route between Sudja, a town they've captured, and the capital of Kursk, as well as around Korenjovo, a strategically significant town. The Ukrainians have managed to surround Korenjovo from both north and south, but their territorial gains so far are minor compared to the first week of the Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Russia exerts pressure on the Eastern Front
On the flip side, Russia continues to push ahead in the Donetsk region, with significant activity around Pokrovsk and Torez. However, the military has modified its primary attack route near Pokrovsk, with some of the forces veering south instead of directly heading for the city. This appears to be an attempt to disintegrate the entire Ukrainian defensive line in the southern part of Donbass.
An offensive by Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia, has been ongoing in Kursk for approximately two weeks now. Officially, thousands of people have fled, and the Ukrainian military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported that more than 1,260 square kilometers and 93 settlements had been captured a few days ago. Military analysts believe the actual territory controlled by Ukraine to be slightly smaller than the official figures. Ukraine has been battling off a Russian aggressive war for more than two years.
In response to this offensive in Kursk, the European Union has issued a statement condemning Russia's actions and calling for an immediate withdrawal of its forces from Ukrainian territory. Additionally, the European Union has increased sanctions on Russia, targeting key sectors of its economy and restricting access to financial markets.
