The setting was undeniably Russian, with a Gazprom facility, flags bearing the country’s iconic three horizontal stripes of white, blue, and red, and a Pyatyorochka supermarket. The soldiers, confirmed by The New York Times to be Ukrainian, gleefully shared videos showcasing their successful border crossing and penetration of Russian defense lines over the past week.
In the town of Sverdlikovo, a Ukrainian soldier stood on another’s shoulders to tear down a Russian flag from the town council building, while in Daryino, soldiers joyfully disposed of another Russian flag. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine declared that “Russia brought war to others, and now it is coming home.”
Ukraine’s surprise military offensive on Aug. 6, executed with utmost secrecy, aimed to shift the tides of a war it seemed to be losing as Russian troops advanced in the east. The operation caught even Kyiv’s closest allies off guard, including the United States, and pushed the boundaries of Western military equipment usage in Russian territory.
The offensive, a risky move for Ukraine, saw them push seven miles into Russia along a 25-mile front, capturing numerous Russian soldiers as prisoners. This unexpected move has the potential to strain Russian troops, embarrass President Putin, and provide leverage in peace negotiations. However, if Ukraine fails to hold ground in Kursk and loses territory in eastern Ukraine, they may face criticism for allowing Russian advancements.
The mission was shrouded in secrecy, with even Ukrainian soldiers unaware of the plan beforehand. Military analysts were taken aback by the successful execution of the operation, highlighting the necessity of operational security and deception.
Hints of the offensive had surfaced earlier, with Ukrainian brigades discreetly moving to the Sumy region near the border with Kursk. The buildup of troops and heavy weaponry went unnoticed by many, with residents and even some soldiers unaware of the impending offensive.
The quiet buildup culminated in a successful incursion into Russian territory on Aug. 6, catching Russian authorities off guard. The Kursk region, with fewer defenses compared to other areas, provided a strategic opportunity for Ukraine to make significant advances.
The audacious offensive poses challenges for Ukraine, as they seek to maintain their newly acquired territory and potentially negotiate for peace. The success of the mission has rattled the Russian security state and raised questions about President Putin’s ability to protect citizens amidst unexpected attacks.