Moscow needs to retreat its military forces from Ukraine for the initial occasion.
Due to the progress of Ukrainian troops in the western Russian region of Kursk, experts suggest that Moscow has withdrawn troops from the bordering country it invaded for the first time. Reports indicate that the Russian military has relocated some units from the southeastern Ukrainian region of Saporishia to reinforce Kursk's defense. According to the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW), this move was confirmed through social media posts from soldiers reassigned. However, Russia seems to be cautious not to weaken its main offensive in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
Kiev has yet to issue any official statements regarding the advance in Russia. According to the Russian exile media portal Meduza, the heaviest fighting is occurring along the route between the Ukrainian-controlled town of Sudja and Kursk's regional capital, as well as near the strategically significant village of Korenjewo. There, the Ukrainians have made progress in their effort to cut off and surround the settlement from both north and south. However, the territorial gains are currently minor compared to the initial week of the Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Russian Forces Intensify Push in Donetsk
Meanwhile, Russia has continued its advance in the Donetsk region. Russian troops are particularly active near the cities of Pokrovsk and Torez. However, the military has shifted its primary direction of attack near Pokrovsk. Instead of charging directly at the city, a portion of the forces has moved southward. The goal appears to be to dismantle the entire Ukrainian defensive line in the southern region of Donbass.
The following developments in the Donetsk region have been reported by various sources: Russian troops are intensifying their push, particularly near Pokrovsk and Torez. Interestingly, a portion of the Russian forces has diverted its attack direction southward to dismantle the Ukrainian defensive line in the southern region of Donbass.
