The operation of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, which came as a real surprise to Moscow and its Western supporters, is already being called one of the riskiest decisions of President Volodymyr Zelensky. This counterattack, which has been planned for several months, is aimed not only at weakening Russia's position, but also at strengthening Ukraine's influence on the international arena.
The Times writes about this.
Last week, Ukrainian troops invaded Russian territory in the Kursk region, taking Moscow by surprise. It also came as a surprise to Ukraine's Western partners, including Washington.
Initially, when the operation began on Tuesday, it looked like another action by anti-Putin militias. However, by Thursday it became clear that Kyiv itself was trying to launch a strategic counterattack against Russia.
"President Zelensky's personal fingerprints are everywhere. It has been a secret in Kyiv for many months that the president was pressuring his military leadership to launch a summer offensive," the publication writes.
Despite manpower and resource problems, the Ukrainian military leadership hesitated, but Zelensky, seeking to change the narrative that Ukraine was losing the war, nevertheless insisted on carrying out the operation.
“Given Ukraine’s labor and resource problems, they hesitated. But Zelensky is desperately trying to change the narrative that Ukraine is losing the war,” the media outlet adds.
According to The Times, between 6,000 and 10,000 troops have been allocated for this operation. The command is willing to risk valuable soldiers and equipment to achieve success.
