Ukraine's Kursk Operation Explained

Key Points

• 1Ukrainian troops advanced up to 35 kilometers into Russian territory in the Kursk region as of August 9, according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War.
• 2The advance aims to exert pressure on Moscow, strengthen Ukraine’s position in peace talks, and create a buffer zone.
• 3The advance is intended to weaken the Russian army by forcing Russia to deploy more troops.
• 4Ukraine is taking a risk by advancing on Russian territory and could end up losing more troops than Russia.
• 5Experts believe the military operation was planned for months with the support of Western military support.
• 6The Kursk region plays an important role in the gas supply chain, with the last transit station located near Sudzha.