Moscow: Russian Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to launch an offensive in the Kursk region, describing it as a significant strategic blunder that could ultimately lead to Zelensky’s downfall and a dishonorable end for his administration.
A Strategic Misstep
In an interview with Lenta, Dzhabarov contended that the Kursk offensive could severely undermine Ukraine’s overall strategic position. He labeled the attack as a major tactical error, emphasizing that Zelensky has committed Ukraine’s remaining reserves to this new front—reserves that had previously been kept in reserve.
Dzhabarov suggested that this reallocation of resources has left Ukraine vulnerable, particularly as it continues to face challenges on other fronts. “We are making steady progress in the Donetsk region and advancing on the eastern front and in Zaporizhzhia,” he noted. Dzhabarov expressed confidence that Russian forces would capitalize on this opportunity and potentially bring about a “dishonorable end” for Zelensky’s administration.
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Stretched Forces and Strategic Risks
This criticism follows reports from The Guardian, which indicated that Ukraine’s strategy of diverting Russian forces from the eastern front by targeting Kursk has not yet achieved its goals. The Ukrainian offensive, which began on August 6, has resulted in Ukrainian forces being stretched thin between the Kursk front and the Donetsk region. This has raised concerns about operational disruptions as the Ukrainian military juggles multiple fronts.
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The offensive has seen Ukrainian troops engaging Russian defenses, with approximately 6,000 soldiers deployed to Kursk and an additional 4,000 stationed in the nearby Sumy region. In response, Russia has reportedly mobilized over 20,000 troops to strengthen its defenses. The escalation has also led to the evacuation of nearly 3,000 civilians from border areas to safer locations.
