Putin Under Pressure as Ukraine's Bold Move Shakes Russia
Aug 28, 2024
Ukraine's unexpected offensive in Russia's Kursk region shakes the Kremlin, forcing Moscow to face new military and domestic challenges.
Similar topics for you...This topic continues below.
Buried WWII Bomb Explodes at Miyazaki Airport: What Actually Happened?
New Zealand's PM Sidesteps Immunity Question in Diplomat’s Street Fight
Finally Wendy’s to Release Krabby Patty Burger for SpongeBob’s 25th Anniversary—Get Ready for a Tasty Treat!
Ukraine's unexpected military action in Russia's Kursk region has left the Kremlin rattled. This daring move, which started earlier this month, has raised concerns in Moscow and drawn attention from U.S. intelligence.
CIA Deputy Director David Cohen shared his thoughts on the situation at a security conference near Washington. He explained that Ukraine's forces are not backing down and are holding their ground in Russia.
This bold action has put Russian President Vladimir Putin in a difficult position, as he now faces potential problems at home.
Holding Ground in Kursk
Ukrainian troops have made significant progress in Kursk, capturing and holding onto land.
"They are staying in Russia and building defenses," Cohen said. He noted that Ukraine seems determined to keep some of the captured land for a while.
This new reality means that there's now a front line inside Russian territory, forcing Putin to deal with this challenge.
Cohen suggested that this situation could lead to changes within Russia itself.
"Putin must now deal with the effects in his own society," he said, hinting that public opinion and pressure on the Russian government might increase.
Ukraine's forces first entered Russian territory on August 6, marking the largest incursion into Russia since World War II. The offensive has displaced about 130,000 people from Kursk, who are waiting for Russian reinforcements.
Ukraine's Gains and Russia's Response
On Tuesday, Ukraine's army chief announced that Kyiv's forces had captured nearly 600 Russian troops and taken control of about 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of land.
However, Cohen offered a more modest estimate, saying that Ukraine currently holds about 777 square kilometers (300 square miles) in Kursk.
Cohen warned that while these gains are significant, Russia will likely try to reclaim the lost land. "Putin will definitely try to take back that territory," Cohen said. "But when that happens, it will be a tough fight for the Russians."
Right now, Russia's military seems focused on capturing Pokrovsk, an important transportation hub in eastern Ukraine. Cohen acknowledged that Russia is making progress there, but at a high cost.
Even if Russian forces succeed in taking Pokrovsk, Cohen warned that the victory wouldn't have much strategic value.
Drones and Strikes: The Battle Escalates
As Ukraine continues its offensive, it has also stepped up drone attacks on Russian soil. On Wednesday, Ukrainian drones targeted several areas in southwestern Russia, including a fuel depot in Rostov that caught fire. The governor of Rostov reported no injuries, and firefighters were working to control the fire.
Russia's Defense Ministry claimed it shot down multiple Ukrainian drones over Rostov and Voronezh, with no reported damage or injuries in Voronezh. In the Belgorod region, a Ukrainian drone damaged three houses but did not cause any injuries.
Meanwhile, Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine. In Kryvyi Rih, a Russian strike killed at least three people and damaged infrastructure. The attack came as the city mourned the victims of a deadly missile strike on a hotel the day before. In Kharkiv, a Russian missile injured 12 people and damaged homes.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia shows no signs of slowing down. Both sides are locked in a fierce struggle, with each move and counter-move shaping the course of this intense and unpredictable war.
