Ukraine says its recent offensive into Russia has changed the story of the war. According to Ukrainian soldiers like Arni, who joined the army in 2022, the motivation has shifted from survival to achieving peace.
Arni highlights that while no one likes war, they are determined to end it. Previously, Ukraine’s goal was solely to push back Russian forces and regain lost territory. However, with Russia’s continued erosion of Ukraine’s land, the approach has evolved.
Ukraine’s bold move to launch a counterattack in the Russian Kursk region surprised many, except for its battle-hardened troops.
This daring offensive, described as successful by experts like Serhii Kuzan of the Ukrainian Security and Co-operation Centre, has given Kyiv a new narrative to push forward.
Now, Ukraine showcases images of soldiers tearing down Russian flags, aiming to reshape how the conflict is seen.
The military objectives of Ukraine have expanded beyond just survival. Their attack was partly aimed at protecting areas like Sumy, which faced over 2,000 strikes from the Kursk region this summer alone.
By pushing Russian forces back, Ukraine aims to make its defense stronger and more effective.
Meanwhile, Russia has been forced to react, shifting its troops to respond to Ukraine’s advances, which has impacted its other frontlines.
Another significant aspect of this offensive is that it has led to the capture of many Russian soldiers, giving Ukraine leverage in negotiations.
President Zelensky refers to this as an “exchange fund,” as Ukraine hopes to trade these prisoners to secure the release of their own soldiers.
The offensive also increases pressure on Russia, not just militarily but also politically, as President Vladimir Putin faces criticism at home for not preventing the attacks.
Experts like Alina Frolova, a former Ukrainian deputy defense minister, believe that this Ukrainian incursion could have a significant impact.
While Ukraine doesn’t plan to hold onto the captured Russian territory indefinitely, it hopes to use it as a bargaining chip to regain its own land.
However, the situation remains fluid, with Ukraine continuing to push forward while Russia still advances in other areas. The outcome is uncertain, but for now, Ukraine remains committed to its bold strategy.
As reported by the BBC, this offensive not only shifts the battlefield but also challenges Russia’s narrative of control. President Putin has downplayed the attack, calling it a “terrorist act,” but his response has been relatively muted, perhaps to avoid panic in Russia.
BBC notes that Ukraine is banking on Putin being slow to regain the initiative, as seen in past crises like the Kursk submarine disaster. Ukraine hopes that this time, he may not be able to recover quickly .
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8lzyjprymo