Ukrainian Forces' operation in Kursk region creates dilemma for Russia - Ukrainian Armed Forces
Illustrative photo: Russians face a dilemma due to the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (Getty Images)
The operation by Ukrainian defenders in the Kursk region has put the Russian forces in a dilemma, directly impacting their plans in the Donetsk region, stated Ivan Tymochko, head of the Council of Reserve Officers of the Ground Forces, in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
He reminded that there is currently a struggle between Ukraine and Russia for the operational strategic initiative, with the main political target for the enemy being the Donetsk region.
"While for us, the question is not about political goals, but about the liberation of territory, the military operation we are conducting in the Kursk region is aimed at forcing the enemy to use forces and resources that they could deploy against the Ukrainian army in the Donetsk region," Tymochko added.
According to him, the interim results indicate that neither side will cease operations. The situation will depend on how each side can accumulate forces and resources.
Tymochko believes the Russian forces are now facing a paradox. If they seriously reinforce the Kursk direction by using soldiers from the Donetsk front, it would undermine their political objective of occupying the Donetsk region.
However, if the enemy ignores the situation in the Kursk region, their so-called liberation in Donetsk is out of the question.
"So, in reality, the Russians have a dilemma," he emphasized.
Tymochko added that Ukrainian forces also have room for maneuver. If they have to retreat in the Donetsk region, they will be withdrawing before large enemy forces. On the other hand, even if the Armed Forces of Ukraine do withdraw from the Kursk region, it will be understood in the context of the situation.
"In essence, they have fallen into the trap of their own information campaign. How will they try to solve it militarily? We can speculate now. It will depend on a number of factors," he noted.
As Tymochko pointed out, the first factor is how effectively Ukraine can destroy Russian arsenals. The second is how successfully Ukrainian defenders can continue to target sectors that fund the Russian budget. The third is whether Russia will dare to conduct a general mobilization of its population and economy.
Background
Ukrainian troops continue to engage in battles with the Russian forces in the Kursk region.
As emphasized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Kursk operation has managed to divert approximately 40,000 Russian troops.
At the same time, Russia is not redeploying its soldiers from the Pokrovsk direction, which remains a priority for it.
