The operation of the Defense Forces of Ukraine on the territory of the Kursk region of the Russian Federation continues to be an important part of modern warfare. According to Oleksiy Hetman, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, this stage of the war has two possible scenarios: the expansion of the territory under control or the curtailment of the operation.
According to Hetman, expanding the territory occupied by the Armed Forces in the Kursk region makes no strategic sense, since Ukraine does not plan to annex these lands. However, keeping this territory allows Ukraine to deter a significant number of Russian troops, including mercenaries from North Korea.
"If the Russians concentrate large forces, the Ukrainian troops can withdraw. But this is not a defeat, but a tactical maneuver that will save resources and shift forces to other directions," Hetman explained.
The operation in Kurshchyna forces the Russian Federation to keep significant forces in this territory, which reduces their activity in key areas of the front in Ukraine.
Hetman noted that the transfer of the Ukrainian military from the Kursk region could lead to a similar step on the part of Russia. This would create a threat in more critical areas of the front, such as the Kurakhiv direction, where Ukraine would have to use significantly more forces to contain the enemy.
Russia is strengthening its forces in the Kursk region thanks to cooperation with North Korea. In addition to military personnel from the DPRK, Pyongyang transferred to the Russian Federation missile and artillery systems that are already in use in the region.
The Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region may have a significant impact on future negotiations. According to the media, the Kremlin seeks to return control over this territory before possible negotiations, which may begin after the inauguration of the newly elected US President Donald Trump.
