Why Russia's Kursk region is important for Ukraine | DW News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the goal of his country's incursion into Russia is to create a buffer zone to protect against further Russian attacks. His statement echoes Putin's claims about Russia's offensive in the Kharkiv region in the spring. Here's a closer look at Ukraine's first major campaign across the Russian border and the possible strategy behind it.

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[physedi]

It just occurred to me that the medieval tactic of chevauchee may be relevant here. The strategic goal was not to control territory, but to send a message to the inhabitants: "Your King (or in this case, the Tsar) cannot protect you. You owe him no loyalty." You start to work loose the connective tissue of the enemy kingdom, the people's connection to the ruler. The fact that the Ukrainians are digging in suggests to me that things are going better than expected and they see a chance to give a good, hard yank rather than a wiggle.

[galbax]

The territorial gains are secondary imho. Disarray and collapse of the power structures in the RU army, the Kremlin and Ru's logistics network are more important.

[laurentdrozin]

I agree with the analysis. There is one point I disagree with however. The troops sent to Kursk are the finest Ukraine has. They would not make much difference on the eastern front, where Russia has chosen a style of warfare that nullifies Ukraine's advantage in quality. Using these troops in a mobile war is a good investment. It won't change the final outcome however, as long as Russia can supply its army in the Donbass.

[Michael-pegh]

She did not answer one of the most interesting questions, at least in my opinion anyway : "why Ukraine doesn't use the the force currently in Kursk in the Donbas instead?" I think this question is interesting, because we in the west don't understand nature of the frontline in Ukraine and Donbas area in particular. I am no military expert, but I think the nature of the war there is: heavily mined territory, drones everywhere, artillery ready to smash any force concentration and so both armies use lots of small groups of soldiers supported by relatively small number of IFVs, tanks and at the same time they shoot at each other with the artillery. It means that throwing more brigades at the problem wont help Ukraine, they would probably lose them in attack quickly or start losing them slowly in defense. Its a near peer conflict, where russians have mass and Ukraine has better doctrine, equipment and west weaponry. So I think the Kursk offensive is logical and much better way to try to turn the tide.

[mjguspg]

*russia🇷🇺 have border/maritime disputes with Ukraine, Georgia, Japan.*
make border/maritime agreement & peace!

[AKrn]

Ukraine is establishing a human buffer zone in Russia.

[warrior]

I don't know how this will end up. But Europe is messing with a Nuclear power...😢 I am very lucky to live in south America 😊

[paulsiwy]

I always like hearing Marina's take on military matters. She is very knowledgeable and explains things without talking in circles and taking up unnecessary time. With regard to Ukraine I think they are very strategic in cutting off logistic supplies of Russia. Also it is wise to fight where your enemy is weak.

[monikagamza]

Let's not forget about the way the Russians perceive the current events and the level of Putin's control over what is happening: some start to see weakness, others recognize lies in what is presented by the main TV channels. That's huge and could be one of the main objectives of the operation in the Kursk region.

[little_finger]

I thought ukraine took the entire kursk region. I was shocked when she said only 3% of kursk.

[SaadBinsayeed-tj]

Russia is now the 2nd powerful army inside Russia 😂😂

[SaadBinsayeed-tj]

Now putin will realise who he has messed up with😂

[presbiteroo]

Even if Ukraine moves to the defense in Kursk they can slowly fall back without the political implications of loosing Ukrainian territory, a the same time driving up the costs for Russia.

[stephennewton]

When the pro Russian posts ramble off topic, just focus them by asking how the 3 day Special Military Operation is going and why it appears to be running 915 days behind schedule.

They really like that.

[jimslancio]

Kursk was the scene of a big Soviet victory against the Germans.
To imagine what it means to Putin, think of Russia occupying Gettysburg.

[mukumbajnr]

Thank you Marina Miron for saying the truth

[patricktatro]

I like that British news people call the leader of Russia, Poutine; as though he is a delightful French frie gravy and cheese dish...

[sabanrai]

Why do DW anchors breathe into their microphones? Very annoying.

[CarlFda]

Maybe wait until general mud and winter is done, and if all is still good after that then we know it is a success, at the moment I would still be a bit more reserved on whether this works out or not.

[jaro]

1000km^2 is 3% not 1%... 3 times more!