Syrskyi names the benefits of operation in the Kursk oblast

20 October, 2024 Ukrainian military in the Kursk oblast. August 2024. Russia.

Photo credits: The New York Times General Oleksandr Syrskyi named the main advantages of the Defense Forces' operation in the Kursk oblast. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shared that the transfer of combat operations to the enemy's territory prevented his offensive actions from the north.

The operation also helped pull back "the strongest Russian units" to the Kursk oblast. "The exchange fund has been significantly replenished, and thousands of civilian lives in the border areas of Ukraine have been saved," Oleksandr Syrskyi reported. The Commander-in-Chief also presented awards to the servicemen of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces brigades for their participation in combat operations in the Kursk sector.

Oleksandr Syrskyi awards Ukrainian paratroopers who took part in the battle in the Kursk oblast. October 2024. Photo credits: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

"I thanked the soldiers for their high motivation, effective combat work, and resilience in winning victory for our country.

I noted the professionalism and perseverance of our soldiers, sergeants, and officers on the battlefield," the general said. As previously reported, the order to move to the Kursk region was given to the Ukrainian forces by radio at dawn on August 6. The quick breakthrough in the Kursk region was made possible by strict secrecy and actions without informing Western partners.

The Russian response is now being felt more strongly, and with the loss of the element of surprise, the Ukrainian advance has slowed.

M113 armored personnel carriers of the Ukrainian military participating in the Kursk operation. Ukraine, Sumy region. August 2024.

Photo credits: Reuters

Russia has reinforced its defense line with better-trained units, including marines and special forces. In the first half of October, the Russian army launched an offensive in the Sudzhansky and Glushkovsky districts of the Kursk region, part of which had been captured by Ukrainian troops in August. On October 10, there were reports of significant advances by Russian troops and the threat of encirclement of some Ukrainian army units.

The situation in the Kursk region on the Deepstate map as of October 19, 2024

Previously, in the Kursk oblast, Ukrainian troops destroyed several BMP-3s and Akhmat armored vehicles.