UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 879 - AUGUST 9, 2024

According to Russian reports on August 9, Ukrainian forces have advanced further east in the Kursk region, but are likely no longer operating as far north or west as Russian sources reported on August 8.

Ukrainian forces are said to have attacked a Russian military convoy east of Rylsk near Oktjabrskoje (Kursk region).

The Russian military leadership appears to be relying on units stationed in the international border area and readily available rearward forces to combat the Ukrainian invasion in the Kursk Oblast, mostly consisting of conscripted units and irregular forces.

These units would likely be the first to respond, even if the Russian military leadership has decided to move additional, more experienced units from other parts of the region. The Russian command may currently be resisting operational pressures to shift forces from other operational areas to prevent the Ukrainian invasion from disrupting Russian offensive operations in eastern Ukraine.

The Russian military leadership may be currently relocating more experienced and better equipped front-line units from eastern or southern Ukraine to the Kursk Oblast, but it will likely take some time for these units to arrive in the Kursk Oblast.

The complete Russian Offensive Update 879 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

UNDERSTANDING WAR