Russia Is Struggling in Kursk

Ukraine continues their advance in Kursk and Russians are starting to get worried about what this could turn into. Some Russian sources talk about how the Ukrainians are using maneuver warfare and combined arms operations to overcome the Russian defenses and they're worried that the longer this goes on, the more likely it becomes that Russia has to destroy the entire area in order to push Ukraine back. Multiple sources are also worried that the Kursk operation is a diversion and that something larger is being planned by Ukraine.

[Fred_uyz]

Russia crying to the UN because ukraine invaded russia is exquisite

[borisreljanovic]

It was actually well-executed breakthrough. This was a really good coordination between Ukraine and it"s allies. First time that Russian territories were seized since WW2. We really live in some crazy times...

[leftycosta]

Ukraine hasn't been able to use maneuver warfare due to the Russian defenses relying on mines & trenches. Which is why they are attacking Kursk instead of their own territory.

[seanbinkley]

Those Russian soldiers didn’t surrender in Kursk. They volunteered for the POW exchange program as a goodwill gesture!

[HistoryNerd]

Turns out having your entire security apparatus scared to question you or tell you the truth is bad for security. The cause of many a dictator's fall.

[legaspichristiani]

Preston using the word “struggling” means that the situation is serious.

[njebei]

This operation has been extremely well executed. It became obvious last week Korenevo was the linchpin to this operation (unless the Ukrainians have more surprises in store for us up north). Once they captured it and now have blown the bridge in Glushkovo, it's only a matter of time before the Russian territory southeast of Korenevo (south of the Seym River) is in Ukrainian hands. I guess Russia could send forces to try to avoid the political black eye but it's almost sure to fail and make their eventual attempt to take this land back even tougher.

As many are guessing this isn't the 'real' Ukrainian attack and only a diversion for the real attack -- I happen to agree. I suspect the real attack is going to be in the south near Provosk. Ukraine has spent all summer letting geography shape the Russian advance in that sector. I've been confused why they didn't make a better defensive line near Prohres (they had months to prepare one) as it is a natural choke point. The answer might be -- because they didn't want to stop the Russians there. They did want to stop the Russians from going north to Vozdvzhenka and built a strong defensive line there. The Russians haven't focused there and seem happy to instead follow the path of railroad as it heads to the southwest.

If my suspicion is correct, the Ukrainians will continue to fight a slow retreat to the outskirts of Provosk, then send a massive counterattack to cut the railroad near Prohres in another September surprise. The Russians aren't stupid and I'm sure they see the danger and have built defenses to stop this. But there's no way they've been able to build defenses in the area like they did north of Melitopol. A Ukrainian advance of 2 miles would cut the Russian supply line to Provosk which could end up with thousands of POWs and hundreds of pieces of lost equipment. Doing this would be a huge roll of the dice by Ukraine but the Russians are surely at the end of their logistical tether trying to get to Provosk before the rains hit. That'll be doubly true now that Putin needs a win to offset Sudzha and one thing we do know is Ukraine has brass ones. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried something like this.

[HanSolo__]

Just take a look at the equipment Ukraine is using in Kursk. These are not regular troops. They are not moving out there to lose any fights but to kick asses. Thats the well trained and well armed part of the Ukrainian army. Dedicated top skilled offense units.

Ukrainian 2S1, UAVs, Kozak 4x4 LAFVs, T-64BV;
Polish MiG29, 8x8 Rosomak, PT-91, T-72M1R, Krabs, Warmate; German Marder, Rheinmetall-MAN trucks and trailers; Czech 152mm Dana; American M142, Cougar, MaxxPro, Stryker, M777 and M88 heavy engineering vehicles. To name only a few.
They have A LOT of decent stuff. And make no mistake, they know how to use it for effect. They don't need Leo 2 or Abrams to win the fight out there.

[evanlucas]

Former US police officer here. I can tell you from personal experience, radio communication between two separate departments is one of the most challenging aspects when conducting combined operations. It got better after 9/11 showed law enforcement the necessity of standardization, but it isn't 100% there. Just look to the recent assassination attempt of former President Trump and you'll see the gap that kind of problem leaves.

I can't even imagine trying to mesh together police, guard, and army radios into an effective communication system.

[richardpowell]

This is the first time Russia has been invaded by a *Foreign military force since WW2. Less we forget Wagner nearly marched all the way to Moscow in just a few days. Before Prigozhin got cold feet.

[hewydewy]

the bridge is out in Gluhkovo...it's getting real for Russia

[martijnjongepoerink]

Just remember, the invasion into Europe onto the beaches of Normadie. Those were just a ruse.
The real invasion would come around Calais, until it did'nt.
Keep your opponent guessing.
Slava Ukraine

[phishphood]

In a sense, Ukraine capturing basically any piece of Russian infrastructure is a valuable strategic win — not for the value of the objective per se (as many analysts initially framed potential Ukrainian objectives), but that to dislodge Ukraine from something like the gas metering station, Russian will likely have to flatten it and render it inoperable. Same with their cities and towns. If you think about it from that lens, “making Russia feel the war, ” then this operation has the potential to be extremely successful even if it ultimately results in Ukraine being beaten back. Just a thought, based on what several of those Russian sources mentioned.

[abhishekrao]

Russia went from the 2nd strongest military in the world, to 2nd strongest in Ukraine, to 2nd strongest in Russia, all in a matter of 2 .5 years.

[lajoyalobos]

0:03 "OMG ok it's happening!!" 😂😂 The Office fire scene definitely depicts how Russia is handling the situation for sure

[jamessmithers]

Tk you! Very clear, concise and informative

[SacredForestSociety]

Sudzha pronounced as Suja.
Either way, thanks for the report.

[k]

You reinforce success. So if your 'diversion' is actually wildly successful...

[daddad]

My gut reaction is that this was started as a diversion, a prelude to distract Russian focus & forces from action elsewhere. However, I think it camme as a surprise to Ukraine how easily they have been able to advance and they are flexible enough to change plans to take full advantage. The timing I think is significant, A senior British Tank Commander stated the other day that it takes tank crews 2.5 years to train to NATO standards in combined arms warfare. It's just over 2.5 years since we started training the Ukrainian tankers.

[MajinLiveTV]

Ukraine just blew up the bridge in Glushkovo this morning. Which means the entire area to the south is cut off now because of the river. We are about to see the thousands of Russians holding the border there being taken captive.