The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has lasted for several months, and the front line has not dispersed, but Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has staged a jaw-dropping "drama". In the early morning of the 6th, the Ukraine army suddenly launched a fierce offensive in the border area, approaching the Kursk Oblast of Russia, does this indicate the escalation of the conflict?
The incident occurred at 1 a.m. on the 6th, when Ukraine troops attacked the Suja and Korenevo regions of Russia's Kursk Oblast from three directions. Six battalions marched in unison and captured six villages in Russia. At this point, you may ask, was it an accident or was it a long time planned?
According to Smirnov, the governor of Russia's Kursk Governor, this operation was by no means improvised, but a well-planned "cross-border sneak attack". As a result, a large number of Russian equipment was destroyed, and dozens of soldiers were killed or wounded. However, Russia border guards reacted quickly and tried to prevent Ukraine from going deeper.
Although Ukraine forces have penetrated about 6 kilometers deep into the Russia border and captured several villages, the strategic value of this raid is questionable. Some analysts believe that this is nothing more than a "media PR" operation by the Zelensky government to cover up its failures on the front lines.
The Western media also pointed out that it is difficult to form a substantial strategic threat with the strength of a few infantry battalions, and it is more like a "political show" to create a news focus.
For Russia, the spread of war to the country is definitely an unacceptable boundary. Putin was outraged by the attack on the 7th and held an emergency meeting, in which he pointed out that the attack amounted to a "major provocation" against Russia. Through Putin's firm position, it can be seen that Russia will respond comprehensively on both military and diplomatic fronts.
Judging by the current situation, the Ukrainian army has managed to gain a foothold on the border with Kursk and make further deployments. Especially in the southwestern border area of Kursk Oblast, Ukraine's 22nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade sent more than 30 armored vehicles and more than 400 militants to invade in an attempt to cut off the Russian army from the town. This raises the question, what will Ukraine do next?
If this attack really goes as Ukraine wants, it can not only disrupt the rhythm of the Russian army's offensive in eastern Ukraine, but also take advantage of international public opinion. Zelenskyy may want to use this high-risk operation in exchange for greater military or diplomatic capital. However, this strategy can be described as a "double-edged sword", and the slightest mistake will dig your own grave.
In the long run, if Ukraine carries out similar attacks frequently, it will force Russia to expand its defense area and expose more defense holes. But is it worth it? You know, Ukraine's current resources are extremely limited, and this move is like "drinking to quench thirst".
What cannot be ignored is what role United States and NATO played in this incident. Ukraine dares to sneak attack across the border, largely relying on military assistance provided by the United States and Europe. In fact, on the one hand, the United States shouts for peace talks, but on the other hand, it acquiesces and even encourages Ukraine to launch attacks on Russia itself. In the future, with the addition of F-16 fighters and the use of more American-made weapons, the Ukrainian army will only grow in boldness.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has been going on for far too long, and both sides have paid a heavy price. And this Ukraine raid on Kursk is undoubtedly a new climax in the conflict. Both Zelensky and Putin are doubling up the stakes, however, the continuation of the war will only hurt both sides.
For Putin, how to end this costly war while saving face is the ultimate problem; And for Zelensky, how to find a realistic way to survive under international diplomatic and military pressure is equally difficult.
In any case, this thrilling raid has undoubtedly added to the already complex situation. Next, we have to wait and see whether this "end rush" can really create a miracle as Ukraine wishes.