Russian forces continue to press forward against Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region, with analysts warning that Ukrainian troops may be forced to withdraw in the coming weeks.
Making Steady Progress
Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have reported that Russian troops are making steady progress, likely aiming to reclaim their territory before the onset of winter.
German analyst Julian Röpke, writing for BILD, highlighted that Russian forces are systematically pushing back Ukrainian troops and moving closer to their own border. He speculated that, given the current pace of the Russian advance, Ukraine may have no choice but to retreat from certain areas soon.
A key factor driving these advances has been Russia’s increasing use of fiber-optically guided drones, according to WP.
With a range of about 8 kilometers (5 miles), these drones are resistant to Ukrainian electronic warfare systems, allowing them to destroy valuable Ukrainian equipment. This advantage has helped Russia maintain its momentum on the battlefield.
Attempting to Dislodge Ukranian Troops
The ISW report notes that Russian forces are likely attempting to dislodge Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region before poor weather sets in. Autumn rains and the approaching winter will make operations more difficult for both sides, limiting movement and making it harder to launch large-scale offensives.
Both Ukraine and Russia have committed significant resources to the battle in Kursk. Ukrainian forces have deployed elite brigades equipped with advanced NATO hardware, including Challenger 2 and Leopard tanks, as well as Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks.
U.S.-made Stryker and Polish Oncilla armored vehicles have also been seen in the region.
On the Russian side, some of their most prized tanks, such as the T-80BWM and T-90M, have been spotted in action. While several of these have already been destroyed by Ukrainian forces, Russia is keen to avoid further losses, especially as they prepare for future operations in other key regions, like Donetsk.
