A Shifting Battlefield: Understanding the Kursk Offensive Through Eyewitness Accounts
The relentless fighting in Ukraine’s Kursk region has captivated global attention. YouTube videos offer a crucial, albeit often fragmented, window into the ground realities of this dynamic conflict. These perspectives, often from analysts and journalists on the scene, shed light on the tactical maneuvers, troop movements, and human cost of the offensive. This analysis unpacks key takeaways from several YouTube channels focusing on the Kursk offensive, revealing the complexities and nuances of the battle. The videos explore questions surrounding the role of Western weaponry, the effectiveness of Ukrainian strategies, and the Russian response, offering a crucial glimpse into the evolving landscape of the conflict.
Key Takeaways from YouTube Analysis
- Rapid Ukrainian Gains and Strategic Depth: Several videos highlight the surprising speed and depth of Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region, contrasting with the slower pace of prior offensives. Analysts attribute this to the precise targeting of Russian weaknesses and the utilization of highly mobile forces.
- Western Weapons’ Impact: Videos examining the impact of Western weaponry, particularly artillery and armored vehicles, underscore a significant shift in the balance of power. The videos discuss how Western equipment has enabled Ukraine to achieve greater battlefield dominance.
- Russian Defensive Strategies and Counterattacks: Various videos examine Russia’s responses to the Ukrainian offensive. They suggest a reactive, and at times, disorganized defensive posture, hampered by logistical challenges and the effectiveness of Ukrainian tactics.
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- Human Cost and POWs: Several videos note a significant increase in Russian prisoners of war (POWs) during the Kursk offensive, emphasizing the human toll of the conflict and the possible implications for future negotiations.
- Situational Awareness and Deception: Reports highlight instances of inaccurate or delayed battlefield reporting by Russian commanders, potentially leading to miscalculations and losses. The videos emphasize the importance of accurate intelligence gathering and effective communication in modern warfare.
- Ukrainian Tactical Innovations: The videos underscore the Ukrainian military’s adaptability and innovative use of tactics, emphasizing the importance of surprise and rapid movement to exploit weaknesses in Russian defenses.
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Uncertainties and Uncertain Futures: The Kursk Offensive’s Long Shadow
While the videos offer a detailed view of the Ukrainian offensive, the long-term impact and future implications remain uncertain. The rapid Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region raise critical questions. How will Russia react to these losses? Will the offensive lead to a decisive shift in the war’s trajectory? Will the high volume of POWs be leveraged in future negotiations? These questions require careful consideration of the broader geopolitical context, the potential for escalation, and the overall strategic goals of both sides. The videos suggest that while the Kursk offensive has achieved significant gains, the war’s outcome remains far from assured.
A Look at the Frontlines: Connecting with the Human Cost
The videos showcased provide compelling insights into the front lines of the Kursk Offensive. They paint a visceral picture of the conflict, highlighting the courage and determination of Ukrainian soldiers. However, these accounts also reveal the immense human cost, emphasizing the need for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of all those affected by this devastating conflict.
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Dive Deeper: Witness the Kursk Offensive
These videos provide vital insights into Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive. Click the links below to view these crucial accounts directly from the front lines and witness the human impact of this critical stage in the war.
[Embed Video 1: Ukraine Entire Frontline Analysis]
[Embed Video 2: How Western weapons transformed the war in Ukraine]
[Embed Video 3: 12 Aug: DEEP PENETRATION: Why the Kursk Frontline COLLAPSES]
[Embed Video 4: 16 Aug: Unprecedented Victory]
[Embed Video 5: 18 Aug: BLITZ CONTINUES: Sudza City Taken]
[Embed Video 6: 18 Nov: INSANE. Botched Assault]
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<span class="yt-title">Ukraine Entire Frontline Analysis</span>
<span class="yt-channel">Task & Purpose</span>
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<summary>1,602,916 views | <span class="yt-stats">38,224 <i class="far fa-thumbs-up"></i></span> | September 8 2024 13:01:07 (2,935 comments)[ Read more ... ]</summary>
<small>Ukraine gained territory in Kursk meanwhile what do the new troop movements near the border between Ukraine and Belarus mean? In this video it's my goal to give you an objective overall update on the war - with the key information you need to know about what’s happening across the entire frontline. <br><br>https://www.instagram.com/cappyarmy/ https://x.com/cappyarmy https://discord.gg/Xm2TvCHh9T https://www.reddit.com/r/Taskandpurpose2/<br><br>@Justin_Taylor @RyanMcBethProgramming @PrestonStewart <br><br>sources: https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/08/28/what-the-fall-of-pokrovsk-could-mean-for-ukraine/ https://x.com/Tatarigami_UA/status/1828574142141968576 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-top-commander-says-kursk-advance-continues-pokrovsk-front-difficult-2024-08-27/ https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2024/09/ukraine-kursk-and-the-importance-of-lines-of-operation.html https://kyivindependent.com/russia-will-attack-ukraine-again-from-the-north-budanov-says/ https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/ukraine-encircles-russian-troops-in-kursk-and-digs-in-for-long-fight-f54c9841?mod=WSJ_Euronews https://youtu.be/zuBV6lkhhBk?si=n2MePpBH1fN2oRgP<br><br>Written by: Chris Cappy and Justin Taylor Edited by: Syed and Arun<br><br>Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSq3p5NKEtyp5Rjd4ctiEbg/join<br><br>Task & Purpose is a military news and culture oriented channel. We want to foster discussion about the defense industry. <br><br>Email capelluto@taskandpurpose.com for inquires.<br><br>#UKRAINE #NEWS #UPDATE</small>
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<span class="yt-title">How Western weapons transformed the war in Ukraine</span>
<span class="yt-channel">Vox</span>
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<summary>2,837,258 views | <span class="yt-stats">53,522 <i class="far fa-thumbs-up"></i></span> | March 24 2023 12:00:03 (3,700 comments)[ Read more ... ]</summary>
<small>And how the US influences which weapons they get, and which ones they don't.<br><br>Subscribe and turn on notifications 🔔 so you don't miss any videos: http://goo.gl/0bsAjO <br><br>When Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014, the US was hesitant to send more than supplies to the Ukrainian army. But when Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022, the US changed its tune. President Joe Biden quickly began approving huge packages of weapons to help Ukraine stymie the Russian attack. And for the first couple of weeks, it worked. The Ukrainian army used weapons from the US and its Western allies to stop Russia from capturing Kiev. <br><br>As the war progressed, so did US help. It sent heavy artillery in the spring, and then agreed to eventually send tanks in winter 2023. But each time, it deliberated over whether Ukraine can effectively use the weapons, and whether they'll provoke Russia to escalate the conflict.<br><br>So far, that hasn’t happened, and the US and its allies are now considering sending Ukraine very advanced long-range missiles and F-16 fighter jets. Both would be game-changers for Ukraine. <br><br>Sources and further reading:<br><br>Stimson Center- www.stimson.org/2022/u-s-security-assistance-to-ukraine-breaks-all-precedents/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1679600857055035&usg=AOvVaw0BoV2nDHscvxIPa3G1yqoK<br><br>CSIS - https://www.csis.org/analysis/united-states-running-out-weapons-send-ukraine<br><br>Politico - https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/28/pentagon-send-f-16s-ukraine-00080045<br><br>The Economist - https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/03/06/ukraine-is-building-up-its-forces-for-an-offensive<br><br>Note: The headline on this piece has been updated. Previous headline: How US weapons transformed the war in Ukraine, How Ukraine got so many weapons<br><br>Make sure you never miss behind the scenes content in the Vox Video newsletter, sign up here: http://vox.com/video-newsletter<br><br>Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out http://www.vox.com<br><br>Support Vox's reporting with a one-time or recurring contribution: http://vox.com/contribute-now<br><br>Shop the Vox merch store: http://vox.com/store<br><br>Watch our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/IZONyE<br><br>Follow Vox on Facebook: http://facebook.com/vox Follow Vox on Twitter: http://twitter.com/voxdotcom Follow Vox on TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@voxdotcom</small>
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<span class="yt-title">12 Aug: DEEP PENETRATION: Why the Kursk Frontline COLLAPSES | War in Ukraine Explained</span>
<span class="yt-channel">Reporting from Ukraine</span>
<span class="yt-tags"></span>
<details class="embed-yt-inline" name="yt-description">
<summary>577,918 views | <span class="yt-stats">38,503 <i class="far fa-thumbs-up"></i></span> | August 12 2024 06:30:05 (1,459 comments)[ Read more ... ]</summary>
<small>🔴 Support via Online Store: https://goldenheart.store/collections/bestsellers 🔵 EXCLUSIVE Strategic Updates on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ReportingFromUkraine 🔵 EXCLUSIVE Strategic Updates on YouTube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/ReportingFromUkraine/join 🔞UNCENSORED COMBAT FOOTAGE on Telegram: https://t.me/RFUEnglish or @RFUEnglish 🟠 Support via Thanks button donation under the video (next to "like" and "share") 🟠 Support via 1-time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ReportingFromUA ⚫ Follow us on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RFUEnglish or @RFUEnglish<br><br>Today there are a lot of updates from the Kursk direction. Here, the Ukrainians launched an incursion into the Russian territories and managed a deep breakthrough far beyond Russian defenses. To put this offensive into perspective, in just three days of active operations, Ukrainians gained more territory in Kursk than Russians in three months in Kharkiv, and in this video I will tell you exactly how that happened. The initial goal of the Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance force was to swiftly penetrate deep beyond the Russian border using highly mobile units reinforced with armor. These actions were intended to pave the way for the main Ukrainian offensive forces. The tactic was the following: Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance units scout the area for Russian positions, analyzing the terrain, and systematically neutralizing Russian border defenses. Afterward, the main force move into the secured territories to consolidate control. The initial assault force was composed of three hundred Ukrainian fighters, supported by eleven tanks and twenty armored vehicles. This force included elite elements from the Eighty-eight and Eighty-second Air Assault Brigades, some of the most formidable units in the Ukrainian army. The primary Ukrainian assault group stationed in the village of Yunakivka was tasked with eliminating Russian positions at the Sudzha border crossing. Success in this attack would allow Ukrainian forces to utilize the P-Two-Thousand highway to advance toward the regional center, the town of Sudzha. Meanwhile, another assault group positioned in the village of Novenke, north of Yunakivka, was assigned to seize control of the border villages of Sverdlikovo and Nikolayevo Darina, securing the northern flank of the advance. Securing control of these two villages would allow the assault force to dominate the highway at Sverdlikovo, effectively cutting off Russian reinforcements from the nearby town of Korenevo. A third group, also stationed at Yunakivka, was tasked with capturing the villages of Guyevo and Kurilovka to protect the southern flank from potential Russian counterattacks. The offensive began with Ukrainian shelling of the Russian garrison at the Sudzha border crossing. Combat footage from the area shows significant damage to the crossing, with Russian troops being suppressed and forced to take cover in the buildings. Additionally, the Russians abandoned a tank at the crossing, as most of their soldiers were caught off guard by the intensity of the Ukrainian artillery barrage. An attempt by Russian forces to deploy two additional old T-Sixty-Two-M tanks from the town of Sudzha ended in failure, as both were quickly destroyed on the road. In response, the Russian command deployed a Mi-Twenty-Eight and a Ka-Fifty-Two attack helicopters to counter the Ukrainian assault groups. However, the Russian pilots, lacking an accurate understanding of the scale of the Ukrainian offensive and the evolving situation, were unable to effectively engage the enemy. Both helicopters were eventually shot down. In a video released by Ukrainian drone operators, one can see the Mi-Twenty-Eight being hit and brought down by an FPV drone, a tactic previously unseen in the war. As their positions at the checkpoint were unsustainable, losses too heavy, and reinforcements destroyed, over forty surviving Russian soldiers at Sudzha checkpoint surrendered to Ukrainian assault groups. Surviving Russian soldiers got taken into captivity, and it is estimated that a total of three hundred Russians surrendered in the Kursk direction. The original, uncensored combat footage of all operations can be found on our Telegram channel through the link in the description. The Russian forces were small and dispersed along the border, making it easy for the Ukrainians to isolate and eliminate them, given that reinforcements were far away. As the Ukrainian spearhead successfully destroyed the main Russian formations at the border, the main Ukrainian force took advantage of this success, advancing over ten kilometers across the front toward Sudzha and its flanks. This success at the border allowed the Ukrainians to swiftly enter the town of Sudzha, driving the surprised and disorganized Russian forces back to the right bank of the Sudzha River. The Russians had relied on their border guards as the primary defense before the town, but the scale of...</small>
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<span class="yt-title">16 Aug: Unprecedented Victory: Ukrainians TAKE 1,000 km & 2,000 POWs | War in Ukraine Explained</span>
<span class="yt-channel">Reporting from Ukraine</span>
<span class="yt-tags"></span>
<details class="embed-yt-inline" name="yt-description">
<summary>585,322 views | <span class="yt-stats">38,772 <i class="far fa-thumbs-up"></i></span> | August 16 2024 01:30:23 (1,278 comments)[ Read more ... ]</summary>
<small>🔴 Support via Online Store: https://goldenheart.store/collections/bestsellers 🔵 EXCLUSIVE Strategic Updates on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ReportingFromUkraine 🔵 EXCLUSIVE Strategic Updates on YouTube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/ReportingFromUkraine/join 🔞UNCENSORED COMBAT FOOTAGE on Telegram: https://t.me/RFUEnglish or @RFUEnglish 🟠 Support via Thanks button donation under the video (next to "like" and "share") 🟠 Support via 1-time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ReportingFromUA ⚫ Follow us on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RFUEnglish or @RFUEnglish<br><br>Today, there are a lot of updates from the Kursk direction. <br><br>The Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory is advancing steadily along four distinct axes, with daily confirmations of new territorial gains by Ukrainian forces.<br><br>Two days ago, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky announced that Ukrainian forces had established control over approximately 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory within Kursk Oblast, including up to 74 settlements. However, recent reports suggest that this controlled area has expanded significantly. The Ukrainian incursion, meticulously planned along four distinct vectors, has been executed by some of the most elite and battle-hardened brigades in the Ukrainian army, following the military strategy of "striking with their best weapon at the enemy's weakest point."<br><br>In the eastern and northwestern directions, Ukrainian forces are focused on encircling the settlement of Korenevo. The 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade is advancing from the south, particularly in the Snagost area, aiming to secure a connection via the highway. Simultaneously, the 82nd Airborne Brigade is making frontal and northern advances towards Korenevo. Additionally, coordinated sabotage and reconnaissance units are actively operating behind Korenevo's lines. Recent Russian reports confirm Ukrainian advances in Snagost, while Ukrainian military analyst Kostyantyn Mashovets noted progress up to the settlement. Geolocated footage published three days ago supports these claims, showing Ukrainian forces operating southeast of Korenevo.<br><br>In the northern sector, Ukrainian forces, led by the 80th Airborne Brigade, are advancing toward Lgov along the Sudzha-Lgov road. The extent of their probing raids and the exact locations where they have established permanent control remain unclear. However, it seems confirmed that several small settlements in this zone still contain isolated Russian troops, who may be encircled and awaiting surrender.<br><br>It's important to note that the Kursk nuclear power plant, one of the three largest in the Russian Federation, is situated near Lgov. While military analysts generally dismiss the idea that the plant is a direct objective for Ukrainian forces, holding positions within long-range artillery range could still pose a significant threat. This strategic positioning could serve as a valuable leverage point in negotiations, even without the need to capture the facility itself.<br><br>In the northwestern sector, the 22nd Brigade is pushing along the R200 road from Sudzha towards the city of Kursk, with reported clashes near Martynovka. Confirmed reports indicate that Russian forces have constructed fortification lines 50 kilometers from the border, running parallel to the E38 road. This defensive move suggests uncertainty on the Russian side regarding when or where they might be able to stabilize the situation, implying that Ukrainian-controlled territory could still expand significantly.<br><br>In the eastern sector, Ukrainian forces, led by the 92nd Mechanized Brigade, are executing a pincer movement on both sides of the Psel River, targeting the area around the Belitsa and Giri settlements. Their primary objective is to secure control of two key bridges, which serve as the main river crossings in the region. These bridges are crucial for facilitating any larger troop movements, especially those involving mechanized forces.<br><br>In several of these Russian localities, Ukrainian forces appear to be employing the same tactic used near the border crossings: encircling settlements to force Russian troops to surrender. The element of surprise, combined with inadequate defensive preparations and the inexperience of many Russian soldiers caught in the initial stages, has significantly contributed to these surrenders. Moreover, the clear disconnection of these troops from Russian support in the north has further weakened their resolve. This is evident from the numerous videos that have surfaced in recent days, showing Russian forces laying down their arms.<br><br>Just a few days ago, the number of prisoners of war was estimated at around a thousand. However, recent analyses suggest that this figure may now be approaching 2,000. This development delivers a significant blow to the image of Russian forces and provides Ukraine with a valuable asset for future prisoner exchanges. Due to platform restrictions, uncensored...</small>
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<span class="yt-title">18 Aug: BLITZ CONTINUES: Sudza City Taken. Glushkovo City Next. | War in Ukraine Explained</span>
<span class="yt-channel">Reporting from Ukraine</span>
<span class="yt-tags"></span>
<details class="embed-yt-inline" name="yt-description">
<summary>559,870 views | <span class="yt-stats">38,217 <i class="far fa-thumbs-up"></i></span> | August 18 2024 02:15:02 (1,001 comments)[ Read more ... ]</summary>
<small>🔴 Support via Online Store: https://goldenheart.store/collections/bestsellers 🔵 EXCLUSIVE Strategic Updates on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ReportingFromUkraine 🔵 EXCLUSIVE Strategic Updates on YouTube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/ReportingFromUkraine/join 🔞UNCENSORED COMBAT FOOTAGE on Telegram: https://t.me/RFUEnglish or @RFUEnglish 🟠 Support via Thanks button donation under the video (next to "like" and "share") 🟠 Support via 1-time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ReportingFromUA ⚫ Follow us on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RFUEnglish or @RFUEnglish<br><br>Today there are a lot of updates from the Kursk direction.<br><br>Here, the Ukrainians managed to consolidate control of Sudzha and use it as a logistical hub for further assaults in the southern Kursk region. To make things even worse for the Russians, Ukrainians took advantage of weak Russian border defenses to open new vectors of attack along the international borders to expand the area of operations.<br><br>The minimal damage to buildings in Sudzha indicates that there was little fighting before Russian forces withdrew. The capture of Sudzha, with its intact infrastructure, provides a strategic advantage for the Ukrainians, enabling them to establish a stable logistical hub to support further operations across the Kursk region. This intact infrastructure allows the Ukrainian forces to set up ammunition depots, field hospitals, troop rotation points, and forward operating bases within the town. As a result, the Ukrainian command can accelerate their advance and consolidate control over newly gained territories.<br><br>The urban layout of Sudzha offers Ukrainian forces significant advantages for concealing armored and motorized vehicles, allowing them to accumulate resources for future offensives and repair damaged equipment. The buildings, along with their basements, provide concealed sleeping quarters and hideouts where Ukrainian soldiers can recover and reorganize for upcoming assaults. As an operational hub, Sudzha enables the Ukrainian command to rapidly deploy troops to the frontlines, being just ten to twenty kilometers from all points of the front. In contrast, Ukrainian forces previously relied on Yunakivka in the Sumy Oblast as a staging ground, which is located thirty to forty kilometers from the front.<br><br>The establishment of a new logistics hub in Sudzha for the second phase of operations required the Ukrainian offensive group in Kursk to briefly slow down to consolidate their forces. Anticipating this, the Ukrainian command took proactive measures to prevent the Russians from gaining the initiative. They employed remote mining techniques to strategically place anti-infantry and anti-tank mines along potential Russian assault routes. This approach effectively thwarted Russian counterattacks, as the lack of sufficient armored vehicles in the area made such assaults too costly for the Russians to risk.<br><br>Aware that the minefields around Sudzha would slow their progress, the Ukrainians prepared additional combat-ready units to sustain their assault. They opened a new axis of attack from the village of Plekhovo toward the Russian-held town of Giri on the southern flank. The primary objective was to advance along the road south of the Psel River, targeting Giri, which lies to the south of Belitsa. Once this objective was secured, Ukrainian forces positioned in the north at Sudzha could launch a coordinated assault on Belitsa from two directions.<br><br>The terrain configuration in the area worked to the Ukrainians' advantage, as the Psel River effectively secured the northern flank of their main advance toward Giri. The Russians were unable to threaten the Ukrainian flanks in this sector due to the presence of only two bridges crossing the river. These bridges were closely monitored by Ukrainian drones and protected by sabotage and reconnaissance units, ready to eliminate any Russian forces attempting to cross at these narrow chokepoints. <br><br>The Ukrainian assault forces advancing toward Giri moved swiftly along the highway from Plekhovo, seizing control of the nearby settlements of Borki, Spalnoye, Krupets, and Kamyshnoye with little to no Russian resistance. However, the Russians had concentrated their forces just south of Belitsa, in Giri, where they staged a well-prepared ambush. This surprise attack inflicted losses on the Ukrainian formation, forcing them to retreat to Kamyshnoye.<br><br>The strong Russian resistance in Giri is due to the concentration of their limited forces in this area. To compensate for their scarcity, Russian troops were covertly deployed on the outskirts of towns with regional significance, such as Giri, which is only administratively separate from Belitsa. However, the massing of Russian forces here means they are stretched thin and absent in other critical areas.<br><br>Given the concentrated Russian resistance near Giri, the Ukrainians decided to put their plans to capture Belitsa on hold and redirect their assaults toward Glushkovo...</small>
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<span class="yt-title">18 Nov: INSANE. Botched Assault Leaves Hundreds Trapped & Killed. | War in Ukraine Explained</span>
<span class="yt-channel">Reporting from Ukraine</span>
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<summary>556,665 views | <span class="yt-stats">33,579 <i class="far fa-thumbs-up"></i></span> | November 18 2024 02:00:24 (855 comments)[ Read more ... ]</summary>
<small>🔴 Support via Online Store: https://goldenheart.store/collections/bestsellers 🔵 EXCLUSIVE Strategic Updates on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RFUnews 🔵 EXCLUSIVE Strategic Updates on YouTube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/ReportingFromUkraine/join 🔞UNCENSORED COMBAT FOOTAGE on Telegram: https://t.me/RFUEnglish or @RFUEnglish 🟠 Support via Thanks button donation under the video (next to "like" and "share") 🟠 Support via 1-time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ReportingFromUA ⚫ Follow us on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RFUEnglish or @RFUEnglish<br><br>Today there are a lot of interesting updates from the Kursk direction.<br><br>Here, two Russian offensive groups remain besieged in two separate pockets near Malaya Lokhnya after previous unsuccessful attempts to break them out by the counterattacks of the main Russian forces. To make the situation more disastrous for the Russians, it has just been exposed that the field commanders in this area lied about the success of the assaults on Malaya Lokhnya and the frontline changes, which led to catastrophic results for the next stage of their planned operation. <br><br>Previously, Russian low-level field commanders operating near Pogrebki fabricated reports that contradicted the actual situation on the ground in the Kursk direction. According to these reports, a mechanized counterattack by the 810th Marine Brigade had successfully retaken control of the villages of Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, and Novaya Sorochina. The commanders claimed that the capture of these settlements brought Russian forces directly to the outskirts of Malaya Lokhnya.<br><br>This false narrative led to a complete lack of situational awareness on the battlefield. In reality, the Russians did not control these settlements. Instead, a hundred Russian soldiers from the broken units were actually encircled with no chance to break out. In an attempt to secretly salvage the situation and align with the reports submitted to higher command, Russian commanders ordered repeated waves of assaults. Such desperate attempts to fix the situation were not communicated to the Ministry of Defense and therefore failed to secure the necessary support, which led to even higher unreported losses, significantly depleting the reserves created for the counteroffensive operation. <br><br>This approach is common among low-level Russian commanders, who often report the success of their operations prematurely, sometimes days before the reported territorial gains are actually achieved. In this particular section of the front, however, there was no real advancement by Russian forces. The key issue in this area was that the initial assault forces, which were claimed to have secured the reported territorial gains were running out of supplies and were at the highest risk of being destroyed.<br><br>Due to the unawareness of unreported losses, Russian higher-ups in the Ministry of Defense expected the low-level commanders to launch assaults directly against Malaya Lokhnya, assuming that the previously reported positions had been captured. However, this was not feasible, partly as there were no reserves available for the assault and no forces stationed at the supposedly secured territories. This discrepancy raised questions both among Russian leadership and the public as to why the planned counterattacks had not progressed according to plan.<br><br>It quickly became apparent that the Russian brigade commanders had exhausted their reserves while attempting to capture the territories they had falsely reported as already secured. This failure also revealed the existence of two pockets of Russian troops left encircled as a result of the botched assaults. The shortages of supplies, ammunition, and support eventually led to the complete destruction of one of these encircled groups, further exacerbating the already deteriorating situation.<br><br>Overall, the poor planning and execution of the third wave of the Russian counteroffensive operation had led to disastrous results, and hundreds of soldiers with no way out. The Russian commanders still reported that these units were not encircled but that they actually held the ground, creating significant gaps in battlefield awareness between low and high-level commanders. As a result, the subsequent waves of assaults were repelled, and the failure to capture the ground has already led to the destruction of half of the encircled troops in one of two pockets near Malaya Lokhnya. Despite the heavy losses, recent reports suggest that the Russian command is accumulating both elite marines and paratroopers from the 83rd Airborne Brigade, 155th Marine Brigade, and 51st Airborne Regiment. They are hoping to expand the scope of their assaults in all areas of Kursk, while the forces in the Malaya Lokhnya-Pogrebki axis are operating from ground zero after disastrous results of failed attacks.</small>
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