Kursk Offensive Strains Ukrainian Troops as NATO Warns of Hybrid Attacks

Ukrainian forces are facing a precarious situation in Kursk Oblast, where they risk losing much of the territory gained during the swift offensive in August. Exhaustion among the troops and an intense Russian counteroffensive have resulted in significant setbacks. Reports indicate that over 40% of the 984 square kilometers captured earlier have been retaken by Russian forces, with Moscow deploying more than 50,000 troops, including contingents from North Korea, to the front lines.

Ukrainian soldiers and commanders, speaking anonymously, described dire conditions on the battlefield. Communication delays, ineffective tactics, and an inability to evacuate casualties have contributed to mounting challenges. Some commanders have expressed frustration with orders from higher command that fail to reflect the realities on the ground. One platoon leader noted that repeated requests to reposition his unit to defensible locations were denied, resulting in substantial losses. Another remarked on the difficulty of retrieving the bodies of fallen comrades due to the intensity of the fighting.

Morale among Ukrainian troops has reportedly been shaken. Some soldiers are questioning the strategic purpose of holding territory in Kursk, fearing that the effort may undermine defenses along the broader 1,000-kilometer frontline. Ukrainian officials and Western allies have privately expressed concerns that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to focus on Kursk might weaken Ukraine's position in other critical regions, potentially compromising gains in the east.

Meanwhile, in Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, Russian shelling targeted residential areas, igniting a fire in one home. Emergency responders attempting to extinguish the blaze faced repeated attacks, forcing...