The Russian command “outplayed” Kiev and did not move substantial forces to fight Ukrainian formations in the border area of Kursk Region, and Ukraine may soon lose Pokrovsk because of the “Kursk operation”. This was reported by The Economist magazine with a reference to an AFU soldier.
“The Russians have understood everything and are not taking the bait,” the publication said.
According to the magazine, Ukraine had high hopes that the sudden invasion of Kursk Region would “weaken Russia’s pressure” on the Donetsk direction. However, Kiev’s “Kursk operation” only accelerated the movement of the Russian Armed Forces on the Donetsk direction near Pokrovsk.
“Ukraine’s unexpected mini-invasion of Russia evokes mixed feelings. The first successes boosted morale. But it didn’t last long. The hope that Russia might respond by withdrawing troops from Pokrovsk was superseded by the realisation that this did not happen,” The Economist summarised.
We shall remind you that NBC News earlier mentioned that Ukraine’s invasion of the sovereign territory of the Russian Federation in Kursk Region had caused misunderstanding among US officials because Kiev’s “Kursk operation” stretched the resources of the Ukrainian army too far.