Ukraine Launches New Border Raids as Kursk Occupation Continues

On August 27, 2024, Ukrainian forces initiated new attempts to breach the Russian border into the Belgorod region. This action coincides with the ongoing Ukrainian occupation of Russia's Kursk region, which entered its fourth week.

According to reports from Russian military bloggers, hundreds of Ukrainian troops, supported by armored fighting vehicles, targeted the Nekhoteyevka border checkpoint. Additional reports suggested a second thrust occurred further east at the Shebekino checkpoint. These incursions mark the latest in a series of cross-border operations since the beginning of the Kursk offensive on August 6, 2024.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of Belgorod Oblast, stated on Telegram:

"There is information that Ukraine is attempting to break through the border of Belgorod Oblast. According to the Russian defence ministry, the situation on the border remains difficult but under control."

The Kursk operation represents the first foreign invasion on Russian soil since World War II, a conflict that saw the significant Battle of Kursk in the same region. This historical context adds weight to the current situation, as Russia grapples with defending its territory against a neighboring state for the first time in decades.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Kyiv's top general, reported that Ukrainian forces had captured 500 square miles of Kursk, compelling Russia to deploy 30,000 troops to the area. This occupation has raised concerns in Belgorod about potential attacks on villages and towns near the borders with Ukraine and neighboring Kursk.

Western military experts suggest that Ukraine's strategy of keeping Russia guessing about potential cross-border attacks may unsettle Russian attempts to reclaim areas of Kursk. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British tank commander, described it as a "classic offensive operation," forcing Russia to make difficult decisions with limited resources.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, framed the Kursk operation as part of a broader strategy to end the war. He stated that it is connected to the upcoming second peace summit, where Russian representatives are expected to be present. This summit follows a previous one held in Switzerland in June 2024, where over 80 international governments endorsed three points of Zelensky's 10-point peace plan.

The Ukrainian president outlined four key directions in their strategy:
1. The Kursk operation
2. Strengthening Ukraine's position in global security
3. Using diplomatic means to pressure Russia into ending the war
4. Economic measures

This multifaceted approach demonstrates Ukraine's efforts to leverage military, diplomatic, and economic tools in its conflict with Russia. The ongoing operations in Kursk and the attempted incursions into Belgorod reflect the complex nature of modern warfare, combining traditional military tactics with strategic maneuvers aimed at influencing international opinion and support.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, recognizing the potential implications for global security and the established post-World War II order in Europe.