Russia retaliates against Ukraine with Kursk offensive

Russia has launched a counterattack in the Kursk border region, recapturing 10 settlements from Ukrainian forces. The move comes more than a month after Ukraine’s surprise invasion of Russian territory. It is unclear if this is a full-blown counteroffensive or a probing operation. Ukraine currently holds about 500 square miles of Russian territory in Kursk, which President Putin has vowed to reclaim. The Russian attacks in Kursk are being launched on multiple axes by better quality troops, including naval infantry and airborne forces. It remains to be seen if this offensive is part of a larger effort to regain lost territory. Russian counterattacks could ease pressure on Ukrainian forces in the east, where Russia is also mounting heavy assaults. Ukraine was prepared for Russian counterattacks and is focused on securing flanks and logistical supplies. President Zelenskyy plans to hold the territory seized in Kursk indefinitely, but a successful Russian counterattack could change the narrative of the conflict. The timing of the counterattack and the potential loss of territory could impact peace talks and morale for both sides. Ukraine is prepared to defend against the Russian counteroffensive, as they anticipated this move and are strategically positioned to go into defense mode.

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