What’s happening in the Kursk sector: explanations from experts
25 February 14:02
The intensity of hostilities in the Kursk sector is increasing and is catching up with the intensity of fighting in the hottest area of the frontline – Pokrovske. This was reported recently by the General Staff, Komersant ukrainskyi reports.
Thus, during the first 22 hours of February 23, 22 Russian assaults were recorded in the Pokrovsk sector, and 19 in the Kursk sector. The enemy also conducted 14 air strikes in the Kursk region, dropping 23 guided bombs, and fired 346 artillery shells.
Strategic confrontation on Russian territory
According to experts, the analysis of the situation in the Kursk direction shows that this region has become one of the key footholds of confrontation, where military and political interests of both sides intersect. Military expert Dmytro Snegiryov emphasizes the particular importance of this direction.
“This area remains strategically important for both us and the Russians. For the Russians, this is one of their strategic goals, before the start of the so-called peace talks, to push Ukrainian defense units out of the Kursk region. Let me remind you that even before Trump’s inauguration, he clearly emphasized that the demarcation line between Ukraine and Russia should be 1300 km long, 100 km of which is the territory of the Kursk region, which is controlled by the Ukrainian defense forces,”
– he says in an exclusive commentary
The expert argues that the Russian leadership considers the de-occupation of the Kursk region as a prerequisite for any negotiations, which reflects its strategic value in the current phase of the war.
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Political consequences of the Ukrainian presence in the Kursk region
According to experts, the mere presence of Ukrainian troops on the territory of Russia dramatically changes the political dynamics of the conflict. Snegirev emphasizes the symbolic significance of this fact:
“This is a de jure and de facto recognition by the Russian Federation of the occupation of part of its territories. And this is evidence of the military, political and informational defeat of both Putin personally and the very paradigm of the so-called SMO. That is, this is a war that has been transferred to the territory of the occupying country, and moreover, they recognize the fact that the Ukrainian Armed Forces control part of their territories.”
Military expert Oleh Zhdanov elaborates on this idea, explaining how the Ukrainian presence in the Kursk region affects the negotiating position. He argues that this situation deprives Putin of the opportunity to dictate the terms of “peace in exchange for territories,” as now Russia itself is forced to talk about the exchange of territories.
“He will be forced to negotiate by exchanging the territories of the Kursk region for some territory of Ukraine that he occupies. This is the significance of the Kursk direction,”
– Zhdanov explains exclusively for
Intensity of hostilities and defense capabilities
The analysis of the intensity of the fighting shows the extreme importance of this direction for the Russian command. Zhdanov confirms the complexity of the situation, pointing out that the enemy is using maximum resources:
“The situation there is very difficult because they are throwing everything they can into the battle. They have even returned North Korean soldiers to the Russian group. That is, the Russian side is trying to strike us as hard as possible. That’s why it’s very difficult there.”
Experts pay special attention to the defense capabilities of the Ukrainian forces. Snegiryov claims that the Ukrainian army is using captured Russian fortifications that were part of the so-called “Surovikin lines,” which Russia spent about $400 million to build. Zhdanov adds that the most modern methods of defense are being used on this section of the frontline, which allows them to maintain control over the seized territories.
Uncertain timeframe and strategic importance of holding positions
The peculiarity of the current situation is the absence of clear timelines for the possible withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region. Dmytro Snegiryov quotes the Russian president himself, who answered “I don’t know” when asked about the liberation of the Kursk region. The expert claims that even the Russian leadership cannot give a clear answer to this question.
Zhdanov emphasizes the determination of the Ukrainian side to hold the seized territories:
“We will stay there until the Russian troops drive us out. And if they fail to drive us out, we will stay there until the issue is resolved in the political context.”
Experts are unanimous in their assessment: the presence of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region significantly strengthens Ukraine’s position in any potential negotiations and will remain one of the key factors influencing the further development of the conflict.
