The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly two-and-a-half years, far longer than Russia had initially anticipated. Despite the prolonged conflict, senior Russian officials continue to claim that the operation is going “according to plan.” However, recent events, such as the cross-border Ukrainian assault on Russia’s Kursk region, suggest otherwise.
The situation in the Sudzha district of Kursk region is currently unclear, with conflicting reports about the extent of Ukrainian troops’ presence and their objectives. The Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta described the events as being shrouded in the “fog of war.” Nevertheless, it is evident that the developments in Kursk region have caught Russia’s political and military leadership off guard.
While Moscow is unlikely to admit that the war in Ukraine has not gone according to plan, the Ukrainian assault on Kursk region may be used to rally public support and reinforce the Kremlin’s narrative of Russia being a besieged fortress surrounded by enemies. Despite the escalating hostilities coming closer to home, it remains to be seen whether Russian public opinion will turn against the war.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called for Russia to intensify its military actions and push deeper into Ukrainian territory. However, the decision ultimately lies with President Vladimir Putin. As the situation in southern Russia continues to unfold, all eyes are on Putin to see how he will respond to these dramatic developments.
