In August 2024, Ukrainian troops launched a large-scale offensive in the Kursk region of Russia, which came as a surprise to many analysts. In particular, the participation of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade, one of the best-equipped and fastest brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, underlined the seriousness of this invasion.
As Forbes reports, video recordings that appeared on social networks confirm the participation in the operation of such vehicles as T-64BV or T-80BV tanks, UR-77 sapper vehicles, IMR-2 engineering vehicles, as well as BTR-80 armored personnel carriers and American-made Stryker. This combination of former Soviet and modern American vehicles is characteristic of the 80th brigade, which confirms its active participation in this operation.
According to Forbes, at least three Ukrainian brigades are involved in the offensive on the Kursk region: the 22nd and 88th mechanized brigades, as well as the 80th amphibious assault brigade. In total, the number of military personnel involved in the operation may reach 10,000. This is significantly more than in previous raids carried out by pro-Ukrainian forces on the territory of Russia, which were usually short-lived and had limited objectives.
Despite the scale and ambition of the Ukrainian offensive, the question of the success of the operation remains open. The Russian Northern Group of Forces, estimated at 48,000 people, can oppose 10,000 Ukrainian troops. For now, however, the group is entrenched in Vovchansk, 90 miles from Suja, the city that became the center of the Ukrainian invasion.
According to analysts, the speed of the reaction of the Russian command to the Ukrainian invasion may become a decisive factor in the development of events. If Russian forces send reinforcements to Suja in time, they can slow down or even stop the Ukrainian offensive. Otherwise, a significant part of the Kursk region may fall under the control of Ukrainian troops.
