Still an open question, what is the objective of the Ukrainian incursion? One theory, that it was to draw Russian troops away from Donbas, seems moot since the Russian forces in Donbas have only accelerated their westward encroachment during the last month. The idea of capturing a nuclear plant and holding it hostage was never very plausible, and now seems off the table. Occupying ground to be traded off in a peace negotiation, assumes a degree of Russian agreeableness that defies events.
I am left with two possibilities. One is that the West pressured Ukraine into taking action to bolster its credibility for continuing financial aid, which has become increasingly pinched. Recall that the ill-fated “counteroffensive” last year was at the behest of the NATO governments, to “show us something.”
The other is that Ukraine government has shown signs of increasing internal instability, with generals and defense ministry disagreeing on strategy and in some cases apparently going their own way. . We now know that an insubordinate general took matters into his own hands and blew up the Nordstream pipeline against orders. The top general, General Syrskyi has been known for risking his troops in aggressive action. As commander in chief he may have devised and launched the Kursk operation on his own initiative, figuring no one will argue with success. Given the considerations described in the article however, it still could blow up in his face. We’ll see.
It’s one thing to take lightly defended territory. It’s another thing to hold that territory when you are being counter attacked. It will be interesting to see if the Ukrainians can get men and supplies to their troops on the front lines. It doesn’t look too easy from the maps I’ve seen. The coming battle will come down to how well Ukraine can resupply its forces.
This:
“Last summer the Ukes made a very similar type incursion towards Belgorod. Supposedly, there was some type nuclear material that could be had if their mad dash was fast enough. It wasn’t.
Although much larger, it’s the same operation. Who can’t handicap that boob Z’s moves? In the desperate situation the Ukes were in, the Russians figured they’d bait him into a trap with the Kursk Nuclear PP. The Russians probably also figured the PR opportunity would be a great lure as well. We all saw the insufferable western crowing and strutting. That’s was certainly something Z desperately wanted.”
I nominate him for Oscar. His portrayal of Heinz Guderian was superb until the the Russians turned the screenplay to crap.
As regards Nordstrom - we don’t “know” anything more than that it was blown up. There is still too much murkiness to use the word “know” imho