16 Aug: Unprecedented Victory: Ukrainians Take 1,000 sq km & 2,000 POWs - Reporting from Ukraine

[TexasTowelie]

Today, there are a lot of updates from the Kursk direction.

The Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory is advancing steadily along four distinct axes, with daily confirmations of new territorial gains by Ukrainian forces.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

[lapfog_1]

1. If this incursion becomes bigger

it might be time for a military uprising in Russia... joining the Ukrainians and marching on Moscow. However, whoever replaces Putin might well be worse than Putin.

[ancianita]

2. Thanks for the best, most hopeful news in a while.