2024-09-15 00:03:33
On September 10, Russian troops launched their first large-scale counterattack against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. Analysts believe that one of the goals of the Russian offensive may be to try to cut off the Ukrainian salient formed in the Kursk region. However, the Ukrainian army soon took countermeasures, launching its own counterattacks to contain the enemy’s advance.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have attacked along the western edge of Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region and, according to unverified reports, have captured several settlements northeast and south of Korenevo. However, experts stress that the exact scale and long-term prospects of these actions remain unclear, and it is too early to draw firm conclusions. ISW continues to monitor the situation, observing changes on the front line.
However, analysts have identified several key areas of Russian attacks. According to social media reports, Russian forces have carried out counteroffensive actions in the area of the village of Zhuravli, where they managed to recapture positions to the east of the village. Airborne units of the Airborne Forces have also advanced north and northeast of the village of Snagost. Despite Russian sources’ claims of the complete capture of these areas, ISW has found no visual confirmation of these statements.
At the same time, Ukrainian forces began their counterattacks on the western part of the Kursk salient. In particular, the 46th separate airmobile brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that its units were attacking the flanks of advancing Russian troops in the area of the snagost. Ukrainian troops continue to resist, striking enemy positions, although it is unclear how many forces have been allocated for these operations.
One of the areas of the Ukrainian counterattack has been the village of Kulbaki, located southwest of Snagost and just a few kilometers from the international border. ISW suggests that Ukrainian forces have recently advanced in this area, which could be an important step in the conflict.
Analysts note that Russian troops engaged in counterattacks are operating in small units, up to company size, and may draw on elements of more experienced units. However, the question remains whether such units will be able to fully resist Ukrainian counterattacks, especially given that many of them have already suffered significant losses during the conflict.
Despite the counteroffensive, Russian forces may continue to attempt to cut off the Ukrainian salient and advance toward the international border, complicating the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ logistics routes and ability to provide fire support. Additional Russian forces can be expected to be deployed in the coming days to reinforce the counterattack.
It remains unclear whether Russian authorities believe that the current group in the Kursk region, consisting mainly of conscripts and irregulars, is capable of achieving strategic goals. More combat-ready units from other regions may be transferred, but the timing of such movements is not yet known.
ISW warns that it is too early to assess the long-term impact of the two days of counter-attacks as Ukrainian cross-border operations continue. The situation remains dynamic and the course of events may change in the near future.
Ukrainian soldiers spotted in the village of Kubalki, Kursk, west of Snagost
Yesterday night, clashes were reported in Troitskoye and Elizavetovka across the border while Russian troops attacked from Korenevo towards Snagost pic.twitter.com/viF6OWpu5Q
— PS01 △ (@PStyle0ne1) September 11, 2024
Earlier, “Kursor” wrote that the Ukrainian Armed Forces named targets in the Russian Federation that Ukraine will hit with Western weapons.