Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has confirmed that the recent military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border. This is the first time Zelenskiy has clearly stated the goal of the operation, which was launched on August 6. The operation has been met with resistance from Russian forces, but Ukrainian troops have made significant advances, destroying key infrastructure and disrupting supply lines.
Zelenskiy stated that the primary task of the operation is to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressor’s territory, which is exactly what Ukraine is doing in the Kursk region. The operation has had significant consequences, with the destruction of a key bridge on the Seim River and the striking of a second bridge nearby, which has impeded deliveries of supplies to Russian forces.
The development of the situation has led to a boost in Ukrainian morale, which was sapped by a failed counteroffensive last summer and months of grinding Russian gains in the eastern Donbas region. Zelenskiy has urged Kyiv’s allies to lift the remaining restrictions on using Western weapons to attack targets deeper in Russia, including in Kursk, saying his troops could deprive Moscow of any ability to advance and cause destruction if granted sufficient long-range capabilities.
Despite Ukraine’s advances, the situation remains precarious, with Ukrainian forces facing the risk of being cut off from supplies and reinforcement. Meanwhile, Russia has increased attacks on Kyiv, targeting it with ballistic missiles for the third time this month, and Belarus has massed a significant portion of its army along the border with Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (Image via Getty)
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Ukraine’s supply lines extending deep into Kursk are vulnerable to Russian attacks. Analysts say that while Ukraine could try to consolidate its gains inside Russia, it would be risky, given Kyiv’s limited resources. Instead, Ukraine is focusing on creating a buffer zone and disrupting Russian supply lines to prevent further attacks.
The operation has also led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of civilians fleeing the area. Russia has also launched a security operation in the Kharkiv region, which has led to the displacement of thousands of people. The situation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how it will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
