Ukrainian troops could be pushed out of Kursk in a few months
Ukraine's allies fear that after a successful Russian offensive, the Ukrainian military could be forced to abandon border areas in Kursk province within months, Bloomberg reported, citing officials.
Bloomberg reported that a month after Ukraine launched its operation, U.S. and European officials still question Ukraine's ultimate goal for the territory in Kursk province. Some allied officials fear that the Ukrainian military could be forced to abandon the Kursk border area "within months if Moscow launches a larger counteroffensive." As Russian forces launch an offensive in Donbass, some European officials are concerned that "the cost of the Kursk operation could increase" for Ukraine, the news agency added.
According to Bloomberg, Ukrainian President Zelensky said Kiev could use the situation in the Kursk Region "as a bargaining chip in negotiations." "But with no signs from Moscow that it is ready to negotiate seriously, some allies are concerned that Ukraine may not be able to hold out long enough to gain leverage in any diplomatic effort," Bloomberg said.
On August 6, Russia's Kursk border region was heavily attacked by Ukraine. A federal state of emergency is in effect in the region. Local residents have been evacuated to safe areas. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, more than 11,500 people are staying in temporary accommodation centers.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Kiev has lost more than 10,700 troops and 84 tanks since the fighting began in the Kursk region. The operation to destroy Ukrainian units is underway./.
