The Ukrainian Armed Forces' operation in Russia’s Kursk region is more than just a military victory — it’s a direct challenge to the legitimacy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Andres Kazekamp, a professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto.
In an interview with CBC Radio, Kazekamp explained that these Ukrainian advances strike at the core of Putin's self-portrayal as the defender of Russia and its people.
"Putin likely feels that his own regime and legitimacy are in jeopardy," the expert noted, adding that the Ukrainian forces’ success in Kursk has put pressure on the Russian leader.
Kazekamp pointed out that Putin tends to avoid the public eye when faced with setbacks, which was evident during the early days of the Ukrainian raid.
"He was nowhere to be seen in public, likely because he had no answers to offer," the professor said, suggesting that Putin was caught off guard by Ukraine's strategic gains.
The expert stressed that the conflict is about much more than territory, noting that Russia's ultimate goal is complete domination over Ukraine.
"The only path to peace," Kazekamp asserted, "is through Ukraine's victory on the battlefield."
Ukraine’s Defense Forces are making progress in Kursk, with reports indicating they have already secured control over more than 1,000 square kilometers and over 80 settlements.
This advancement not only threatens Russian territorial integrity but also poses a critical challenge to Putin’s hold on power.
