Pentagon discusses longer-term objectives of Kursk operation with Ukraine

21 August, 2024 Ukrainian military in the Kursk oblast. August 2024. Russia.

Photo credits: The New York Times The U.S. Department of Defense discusses with Ukraine the longer-term objectives of an offensive in the Kursk region.

Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder noted that the operation demonstrated the ingenuity and combat prowess of the Ukrainians. "But when it comes to what their longer-term objectives are here, that's something that we're still discussing with them," Patrick Ryder said. The Pentagon emphasized that it would continue to support Ukraine, although the Ukrainian leadership had not informed the United States of the operation.

"Our commitment and support to Ukraine is strong. And we're going to continue to support them for the long haul," Ryder stated.

Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder. Photo credits: Pentagon

The U.S.

Department of Defense also recorded a small number of Russian forces deploying to the Kursk region in response to Ukrainian actions. "I would say, generally speaking, though, Russia has really struggled to respond, and you continue to see some Ukrainian advances in that regard," Ryder said. At the briefing, Patrick Ryder refrained from answering the question about what kind of American weapons Ukraine is using in the operation.

At the same time, the Pentagon spokesman reiterated that the policy of using U.S. long-range weapons to strike deep into Russia has not changed.

M1126 Stryker armored personnel carrier and Oncilla armored vehicle of the Ukrainian military in the Kursk sector. August 2024. Photo credits: REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

At the same time, he noted that he would not discuss the details of Ukraine's choice of forces and means for conducting its operations.

Ryder also reminded that on Monday, the defense ministers of Ukraine and the United States discussed the current situation on the battlefield, training of the Ukrainian military, and preparations for the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting in the Ramstein format to be held in September.

Photos on the theme: Pentagon

On August 6, Russia said that Ukrainian troops broke through the border, entered the Kursk region, and began their advance there.