In the Kursk region, the Armed Forces of Ukraine experimented with “innovative methods” – ISW

The Ukrainian military was able to take advantage of the situation for an offensive in the Kursk region, despite the fact that “Russia knew about these plans and was preparing for it,” the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted.

Analysts referring to an article in The Guardian note that the Russian authorities knew about the threat of a future offensive by the Armed Forces in the Kursk region, but did not take appropriate measures to eliminate the threat. In particular, according to the publication, as of June, Russian military units stationed along the border were staffed by only 60-70% and mostly poorly trained reservists.

According to ISW analysts, “the Russian authorities did not make “any significant efforts” to increase the readiness of military units serving in the border areas of the Kursk region, or to build additional fortifications along the border before the start of the Armed Forces operation. Probably, the authorities of the Russian Federation decided to ignore the relevant requests due to miscalculations regarding the ability of Ukraine to advance deep into the territory of the Russian Federation.”

“While Russian forces were likely aware of various points along the border where Ukraine could launch an incursion, Ukrainian forces were able to take advantage of uncertainty about their operational intentions and capabilities to ensure operational surprise,” ISW noted.

It is also noted that the Ukrainian military has experimented with innovative methods that combine ground operations and unmanned systems, however, the ISW does not cover them in detail in order to “maintain the operational security of Ukraine.”

The Ukrainian army entered the territory of the Kursk region of Russia on August 6. Fighting has continued in the region since that day. The Armed Forces of Ukraine claim control over dozens of settlements, including the district center of Suja, over a thousand square kilometers of controlled territory and hundreds of captured soldiers of the Russian army.

A federal state of emergency is in effect in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. According to official data, more than 130,000 people were evacuated from the border areas.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on August 13 that Ukraine is not interested in taking territory in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, but wants to protect the lives of Ukrainians and protect itself from Russian attacks.