Ukrainian advance in Kursk exposes Russia's faltering defenses

"Russian reinforcements fail to push back Ukrainian incursion," reports the "Financial Times." The newspaper cites Ukrainian soldiers participating in the offensive in the Kursk region.

Published recordings and Russian and Ukrainian reports from August 10 and 11 indicate that Ukrainian forces were advancing west and northwest in the Kursk region, according to the Institute for the Study of War, based on geolocation data.

The American Institute also states that "Russian sources largely claimed that Russian forces have stabilized the situation." However, photos and videos posted online indicate that the Ukrainian offensive is not losing momentum.

This information is also confirmed by reports from the "Financial Times." The newspaper spoke with Ukrainian military personnel participating in the operation in the Kursk region. The soldiers confirmed that despite the reinforcements, the Russians were unable to halt the Ukrainian advance. "We are going deeper," said Denys, a Ukrainian soldier who has rotated to Russian territory three times since the invasion began.

His unit was transferred to the area of operations from the eastern Donetsk region over a week ago. "We feel confident of Ukrainian victory," said Kostyantyn, another soldier participating in the offensive. The soldier also added that the initial successes boosted his and his comrades' morale.

The "Financial Times" emphasises that the goal of the Ukrainian operation "remains unclear." However, it is known that the most elite brigades currently available to Kyiv have been designated for its realisation.

The operation, however, demonstrated that the Russian border is still poorly protected, which gave the Ukrainians a much-needed boost in positive energy and morale.

"Analysts have said Ukraine may be seeking to use the Kursk offensive to improve its position in potential talks," the newspaper emphasises.