Russia’s recent counteroffensive in Ukraine-held areas of Kursk Oblast is considered "marginal" at this stage, according to a Pentagon briefing on September 12.
Major General Pat Ryder, Pentagon spokesperson, stated that while Russian forces are attempting a counterattack, it has not yet made considerable progress.
Russia's Counteroffensive in Kursk
Russia launched its counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast, a region that has been partially under Ukrainian control since a cross-border operation began on August 6.
As of September 12, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have recaptured 10 settlements in the region.
These claims have not been independently verified.
“What we have seen is Russian units beginning to try to conduct some type of counteroffensive in the Kursk region. At this stage, I would say that it is marginal," Major General Ryder stated in a press release.
However, he emphasized that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation.
Ukrainian Response and Strategy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence in Ukraine's strategy, stating, “everything is going according to our plan.”
He noted that Ukraine has seized control of over 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) and about 100 settlements in Kursk Oblast. The operation is seen as part of a broader effort to divert Russian forces from the Donbas region and reduce the risk of cross-border attacks originating from Kursk.
In early September, Ukrainian forces reportedly inflicted 6,000 casualties on Russian troops and captured over 600 soldiers.
