Ukraine"s swift move to encircle Russian troops in Kursk

In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have made significant advances in Russia's Kursk Oblast, gaining control of approximately 400 square miles. This operation involved around a dozen battalions from eight experienced brigades, which have been supported by tanks and air force warplanes. The strategic focus has shifted towards encircling Russian troops, particularly those stationed in the town of Korenevo, where Ukrainian forces aim to sever supply lines. The geography of the region, particularly the Seym River, plays a crucial role in this maneuver, as it limits Russian resupply options due to the destruction of permanent bridges. Despite the Ukrainian advances, there are concerns regarding the adequacy of their forces to complete the encirclement. A significant number of Russian conscripts, estimated in the thousands, are at risk of being cut off from their supply lines. The ongoing Russian counterattack has not yielded substantial progress and may have inadvertently worsened the situation for Russian troops by increasing their numbers in the vulnerable pocket south of Korenevo. The balance of forces in the region is precarious, with Moscow reportedly deploying around 38,000 troops, many of whom are poorly trained conscripts. This situation highlights Russia's struggle to maintain a well-trained military presence. Conversely, Ukraine faces its own challenges, particularly a shortage of modern armored vehicles, which limits its operational capabilities on the battlefield. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged these constraints, noting that only a fraction of the new brigades have sufficient modern equipment. This lack of resources could impact Ukraine's ability to capitalize on its current momentum in Kursk and achieve its strategic objectives.