Ukrainian withdrawal from Kursk: Russia regains control

As noted by Reuters, since August 2024, Ukraine has been conducting a military operation in the Kursk region in western Russia. According to Ruslan Leviev, head of the analytical project Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT), Ukrainian forces are systematically withdrawing from this area.

Leviev, quoted by the Russian independent television channel Dozhd, highlights that Russian troops are taking control of the city of Sudzha practically without resistance. Leviev points out that Russian forces appeared on the eastern outskirts of Sudzha and have now reached the opposite ends of the city.

Indeed, it can already be stated that the entire city of Sudzha is under the control of Russian forces, - assessed Leviev, which indicates the systematic withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region.

The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in its analysis confirms that Russian troops are making progress in the Kursk region and have likely started an attack on Sudzha. Meanwhile, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, assures that Ukrainian forces are not at risk of encirclement in the Kursk region. He emphasises that the Russians, supported by infantry from North Korea, are suffering significant losses. Syrskyi reports that the situation on the border of the Sumy and Kursk regions is under the control of his troops.

I made a decision to reinforce our group with the necessary forces and means, in particular electronic warfare and an unmanned component, Syrskyi informed, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

ISW indicates that the suspension of the USA providing intelligence data to Ukraine may have contributed to the success of Russian forces in the Kursk region. However, after discussions between the US and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia, full intelligence support from the United States to Kyiv was reportedly restored, as reported by Reuters.