Ukraine's recent capture of Russian land in Kursk
Ukraine has captured more Russian land in a week than the Kremlin's forces have managed in more than eight months of cross-border warfare, boosting morale in the Ukrainian army. The operation in Kursk has drawn Moscow's attention away from eastern Ukraine where they had been slowly advancing for months.
Key Points
- Ukraine has taken control of 74 settlements in Kursk, a border region in southern Russia
- Ukrainian forces are in control of around 1,000 sq km of Kursk
- Moscow has not been able to capture a 1,000 sq km swath of land in any month from Dec 1 2023 to the present day
- Russia has lost around 300,000 troops, killed or wounded, during the conflict
- Russian forces opened up a new front in May 2024 but only managed to capture around 250 sq km
Pros
- Ukraine's successful capture of Russian land in a short time frame
- Boosting morale in the Ukrainian army
Cons
- Uncertainty about how long Ukraine will hold onto the seized land
- Potential for the seized land to become a bargaining chip in future peace talks