Expert: A political move by Kyiv – not a military one
The purpose of Ukraine's offensive across the border into the Russian region of Kursk is likely to get Russia to move troops from front lines in Ukraine. Experts that the Financial Times spoke to believe so.
Ukrainian military analyst Mychaylo Zhirochov says it has already happened, but ex-Australian general Mick Ryan questions whether it's a particularly good strategy.
Ryan has a hard time understanding why Ukraine is putting resources into fighting on Russian soil, when they are being pressured by Russian forces elsewhere. He believes the purpose is political rather than military.
- The government of Ukraine wants to change the momentum and the strategic narrative.
..................................
Information that Ukraine is advancing - residents of the border area are being evacuated
Ukraine is evacuating around 6,000 people from areas near the border with the Russian region of Kursk, local authorities said according to AFP. The evacuation order covers five communities in the Sumy region of Ukraine, and comes after Russia accused Ukraine of an offensive across the border.
The circumstances are still unclear, but an influential Russian Telegram channel, which NBC refers to, claims that Ukrainian soldiers entered almost a mile and a half into Russian territory.
NBC has verified images showing damage to buildings a mile from the border. It is unclear whether the damage is from the shelling that Russia has accused Ukraine of.
The independent Moscow Times reports that residents of Kursk question the Kremlin's preparedness.
"Evacuate if you cannot protect your people," writes one user on social media.
Ukraine has not yet commented on the offensive and several media point out that Russia's version has not been verified.
.....................................
Russia expert: Putin's words are sensational
The fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin comes out and calls Ukraine's ground offensive in the Kursk region an "extensive provocation" is startling. That's what Markus Göransson, assistant lecturer in military science at the department of military science at the Defense Academy, tells GP.
In the past, Russia has tried to silence Ukrainian attacks, he believes.
- Here they do the opposite and send a strong signal that it is something we need to take very seriously.
In addition to his statement, the president must also have convened the country's security council. Ukraine has not yet commented on the offensive launched yesterday.
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar