The United Kingdom is shocked by the local population’s reaction to the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ advance into Kursk Oblast. Retired British Colonel and chemical weapons expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon expressed his surprise, noting that the local residents in Kursk welcomed the Ukrainian troops without putting up any resistance. According to him, this has undoubtedly made a significant impression on Moscow.
“We are very surprised that the local Russians in Kursk greeted the Ukrainian forces. This has undoubtedly made a deep impression on Moscow,” Bretton-Gordon stated. He suggested that this indicates that the Russian people were not truly prepared to defend their own territory.
Context of Aggression and Ukrainian Military Actions
It is worth recalling other tragic incidents related to Russian aggression, such as the shooting of pets in Bucha and Irpin, where the occupiers committed brutal acts of violence. In Vorzel, Russian troops were also reported to have killed dogs to eat them. These events highlight the contrast between the behavior of Russian occupiers and the treatment of abandoned animals by Ukrainian forces in liberated areas.
International Reactions and Assessments
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on the situation during a press conference, stating that the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk Oblast would be “limited in both space and time.” Scholz emphasized that Ukraine did not consult Germany before launching the offensive into Russian territory, which was dictated by the situation on the ground.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Ukrainian troops are continuing their advance in Kursk Oblast, aiming to encircle approximately 3,000 Russian soldiers who are trapped near the river. This strategic encirclement could have significant implications for the conflict’s future.
Ukraine’s Strategic Approach
Australian military strategist and retired Major General Mick Ryan noted that Ukraine is currently expanding its territorial advance in Kursk Oblast, focusing on creating a buffer zone. This approach allows Ukraine to hold a well-defended area closer to its own borders and easier to sustain. Ryan highlighted that this strategy places President Putin in a difficult position—whether to attempt to push Ukrainian forces back, which would require substantial resources and could lead to further escalation of the conflict.
Experts observe that Russian military leaders are reluctant to become involved in an expensive offensive in Kursk Oblast, which could necessitate a “scorched earth” strategy, potentially complicating their position further.
Link to Related Content
For a detailed analysis of Ukraine’s military successes in Kursk Oblast and the factors behind them, read our article: Kursk Oblast Under Ukrainian Control: What Lies Behind Ukraine’s Military Successes?.