After two years and eight months of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin shows little interest in ending the conflict.
A Greater Flexibility
But Ukraine has recently gained a new tactical edge that’s complicating things for Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian forces fighting on Russian soil now have greater strategic flexibility, creating a dynamic that military analysts say could shift the course of the war.
For the first time, Ukraine’s armed forces are fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, an area about 25 miles from the Ukrainian border, according to Ziare.
Ukrainian forces entered Kursk in August and held approximately 500 square miles at the peak of their incursion. Although Russian troops have since reclaimed some of that territory, Ukraine continues to hold strategic positions within Russian borders.
Chooses Battles Carefully
According to analysts, one major advantage for Ukraine is that they are under less pressure to defend every inch of ground, allowing them to engage in combat only when it’s advantageous.
Michael Bohnert, a war expert at RAND Corporation, explained:
“Ukrainian forces don’t have to protect any cities there — because they’re Russian. They can fight where it’s beneficial and pull back when it’s not. It’s a highly efficient way to engage in combat.”
Historically, Ukraine’s defensive focus has been on protecting its own cities, where retreats can be emotionally and strategically painful, as seen in battles for places like Bakhmut.
But the incursion into Kursk changes the dynamic. Now, Ukrainian troops can build fortifications at will, retreat when necessary, and choose the timing and terrain of their fights.
This tactical advantage means Ukraine’s forces can hit hard and withdraw, making it costly for Russia to regain any lost ground.
