Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Forbes: Ukraine employs encirclement strategy in Kursk to potentially trap thousands of Russian troops

Ukraine’s operation in Kursk Oblast demonstrates strategic advances, with potential encirclement of Russian forces, but faces challenges from equipment shortages and manpower constraints.
forbes ukraine expands incursion russia new thrust kursk oblast situation russia's 16 september 2024 (ukrainian gains blue)
Situation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast as of 16 September 2024 (Ukrainian gains in blue). Map: Liveuamap
Forbes: Ukraine employs encirclement strategy in Kursk to potentially trap thousands of Russian troops

Ukrainian forces have made advances into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, potentially setting in motion the encirclement of thousands of Russian troops, according to a Forbes report by David Axe. The incursion began early August, re-gaining momentum last week.

The Ukrainian offensive involves around a dozen battalions from eight experienced brigades, which have already gained control of approximately 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory in Kursk Oblast. On 14 September, Ukrainian sappers breached Russian defenses along the Russia-Ukraine border near the Russian village of Novyi Put, opening a new axis of advancement into the region.
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/09/16/forbes-ukraine-expands-incursion-into-russia-with-new-thrust-into-kursk-oblast/?swcfpc=1

Last week, the Ukrainian tactical group, reportedly anchored by the 95th Air Assault Brigade, started advancing through the southern blocks of Veseloe, a Russian town near Novyi Put. This movement appears to be part of a larger strategy to connect with Ukrainian forces in the main Kursk salient, potentially trapping Russian troops between them and the border, according to Forbes.

The Ukrainian Khorne Group, a team of drone operators supporting the attack, stated on 15 September,

“We’ve advanced into new areas, by kilometers, into Russia. A group of Russian conscripts numbering in the thousands is at risk of being encircled.”

According to Forbes, the local geography is facilitating the Ukrainian operation, with the Seym River forming a natural boundary along the northern edge of the potential pocket. Ukrainian forces have destroyed permanent bridges over the Seym, forcing Russian troops to rely on temporary pontoon bridges or a narrow land bridge through the town of Korenevo for resupply.

The idea that Ukraine may be planning to cut off the Glushkovo district, isolated from the rest of Kursk Oblast by the Seym River on two sides and the conflict zone to the east, became evident when Ukrainian forces began targeting and destroying bridges over the Seym:

Ukraine cut off almost entire Glushkovo district in Kursk, Russians say

While the Ukrainian strategy appears promising, the balance of forces in Kursk may impact the operation’s success. Ukraine has committed around 10,000 troops to the invasion, while Russia reportedly has about 38,000 troops in the oblast, many of whom are described as poorly-trained young conscripts, Forbes notes.

However, Ukraine faces significant challenges in terms of equipment and manpower, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that only four of 14 new Ukrainian brigades have enough modern vehicles.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!