Russian Advances in Kursk Oblast Stalled; Ukraine Continues to Make Gains

Russian troops are continuing their counterattacks in response to the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast, but as of September 12, they have achieved only minimal progress. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that the limited success may be due to ongoing Ukrainian offensive operations and defensive counterattacks in the area.

Geolocated footage shows that Russian forces have made small advances west of Vishnevka and north of Krasnooktyabrskoye. While Russia's defense ministry claims to have regained control of 10 villages in the southern and southwestern regions around Korenevo, independent verification of these claims is lacking. Ukrainian forces continue to push back, making headway in areas where Russian forces have launched offensives.

Ukrainian troops have crossed the border and entered the southwestern part of Tyotkino, circumventing Russian defenses. Russian sources report ongoing Ukrainian attacks near villages such as Novy Put and Medvezhye. Although Russia has made some progress in areas not fully controlled by Ukrainian forces, attacking well-prepared Ukrainian positions is expected to be more challenging.

Ukrainian HIMARS missile strikes have damaged a temporary pontoon bridge over the Seym River and hit Russian troops preparing for an attack. Additionally, Russia has deployed additional units from the 106th Airborne Division to Kursk Oblast.

In a separate development, Britain has reportedly approved the use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine to target Russian military sites. This decision is expected to be officially announced following a meeting between US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on September 13.

Russia is also intensifying its efforts to build relations with non...