The Kursk Offensive

How Ukraine’s Daring Operation May Impact the Frontline

On August 6th 2024 the Ukrainian military launched an offensive aimed at Kursk Oblast in southwestern Russia. The speed and pace of Ukraine’s ongoing operation in Kursk represents a major departure from the months of grinding, high-attrition fighting seen along the relatively static line of contact in Eastern Ukraine. An initial report from the Institute for the Study of War published August 7th estimated that Ukraine has advanced at least 10km into Russian territory and entered the city of Sudzha. A following report published on August 8th claims that Ukrainian forces have continued to push eastward and have effectively established control over Sudzha. As of August 9th, Ukrainian forces are believed to currently occupy 350 square kilometers of Russian territory - meaning that in three days Ukraine has advanced further into Russian territory than the Russian army has advanced in Eastern Ukraine over the past seven months.