This week’s good news (for some that is) is that Ukraine has sent troops into Russia in a bold move….this is said to have many facets although few are available to peasants like me…..

But what does it all mean?

A week after the biggest military invasion of Russia since World War II, details are beginning to solidify about Ukraine’s stunning move.

• Numbers: Ukraine forces have advanced nearly eight miles into the country and control more than two dozen villages, the acting governor of Russia’s Kursk region told Vladimir Putin and other officials Monday. The Washington Post is tracking military movements here. Ukraine’s top military commander said his forces control nearly 400 square miles, per the AP. More than 100,000 Russians have been evacuated or left of their own accord, and Russia says 12 civilians have been killed.
• Big picture: “It’s an attempt to give Russia somewhat of a shock,” Eric Schmitt of the New York Times tells that newspaper’s Morning Briefing. “It could give Ukraine a win, or at least make them feel good for a few days. Does it change the larger calculus on the battlefield? That remains to be seen.” One big question is whether Ukraine will be able to hang on to the territory it seizes.
• Momentum shift? Vladimir Putin is downplaying the move, suggesting that Ukraine is trying to gain leverage for potential peace talks and that his troops will soon oust the invaders. It is nonetheless “an embarrassment” for Putin and his army, per Reuters. The move has the potential to divert Russian troops from other areas, lift morale back in Ukraine, and boost support from the US and the West for Ukraine’s military fight, per the Times.
• Ukraine’s hope: “The clearest logic behind Ukraine’s latest move has been provided by President (Volodymyr) Zelensky who says he wants to ‘bring the war home’ to Russia,” and erode support for it, writes Jonathan Beale at the BBC. “Whatever happens, Ukraine may believe that this gamble was worth it.” He adds, however, that such sentiment shifts often turn out to be fleeting and “won’t win the war.”
• Senators swayed: Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham visited Ukraine, spoke with Zelensky, and said Ukraine seems more optimistic than ever, per the Washington Post. “The breakthrough in Kursk on that front is historic,” said Blumenthal on Monday. “It is a seismic breakthrough.” Both senators want to free up Ukraine to use US weaponry for long-range attacks within Russia.

When Ukraine stops will they be able to hold the territory?

Some NATO countries think they will out soon….

NATO countries think it’s unlikely Ukraine will be able to hold territory in Russia’s Kursk Oblast even if it takes weeks for Russian forces to drive the Ukrainians out, Bloomberg reported Tuesday, citing a Western intelligence official.

Despite that assessment, the report said NATO doesn’t “harbor reservations” about Ukraine’s invasion of Russian territory, which the US and NATO claim they were unaware of until the attack started. Another NATO official told Bloomberg that the incursion shows Ukraine can challenge Russia.

Heavy fighting has been raging in Kursk since over 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers and dozens of armored vehicles, including many provided by the US, entered Russian territory last Tuesday. While Ukrainian forces have captured dozens of villages, they are also taking heavy losses.

(antiwar.com)

Will they be able to hold what they have taken?

I believe if they can then it will be used as a bargaining chip any future ceasefire talks….a way to counter the loss of territory within Ukraine to the Russians.

One other question….Why now?

Any thoughts?

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”