The Ukrainian Army Commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, revealed that Russia has withdrawn some troops from southern Ukraine to assist in defending against the attack on the Kursk region within Kiev’s borders.
Syrskyi disclosed during a press conference on Tuesday, August 27th, that Russia had deployed around 30,000 soldiers to the Kursk region, without specifying how many were transferred from Ukraine.
He added that the Ukrainian forces have achieved “some success” in their operations. However, Syrskyi acknowledged that Russia still retains its elite troops to advance towards the Donetsk region and attempt to seize the crucial logistical hub of Pokrovsk town from the Kiev forces.
Ukraine continues its offensive in the Russian-controlled Kursk region, catching Moscow off guard and causing tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes. Syrskyi mentioned that one of the goals of Ukraine’s operation is to force Russia to shift their troops from the Pokrovsk axis to Kursk.
According to Ukrainian military sources, Kiev currently controls nearly 1,300 square kilometers (502 square miles) of land and over a hundred residential areas in the Kursk region, where they have also captured 594 Russian soldiers.
The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War believes that even though Ukraine has made advances into the Kursk region, it is unlikely Russia will withdraw frontline troops from Ukraine as the Kremlin may prioritize offensive actions in eastern Ukraine. Independent military analysts suggest that up to 40,000 to 50,000 troops may be needed to recapture the occupied Kursk region.
Russian Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, stated last Thursday, August 22nd, that Russian President Putin has formulated retaliatory measures against the Ukrainian cross-border assault on Kursk region to punish those responsible for attacking Russia.
As reported by Reuters, Russian state media TASS quoted Antonov in a report last Thursday saying, “I sincerely tell you, the President has made a decision. I firmly believe that every person responsible for what’s happening in the Kursk region will be severely punished.”
Quoting Ukrainian President Zelensky, Agence France-Presse reported that Russia launched over two hundred missiles and drones targeting Ukraine this Monday, August 26th. Fifteen Ukrainian regions were hit by Russian missile strikes, primarily aimed at Ukrainian infrastructure and energy facilities. The attacks involved various types of missiles, including cruise and hypersonic missiles, resulting in casualties.
On Tuesday, Russia continued its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense described it as the largest assault since the war began, causing extensive damage to energy infrastructure and resulting in a nationwide blackout in Ukraine.
The Kremlin aims to take control of the entire Donetsk region, despite having invaded the region two years ago without gaining full control.