Additional Coverage:
- Retired NATO commander says Ukraine’s Kursk invasion proves it can succeed without Western advice (newsbreak.com)
In April 2014, then-NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Philip Breedlove was in Paris. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)
Ukraine’s military forces have successfully penetrated into Russia’s Kursk region, maintaining control over the area for a month. This operation indicates Ukraine’s capabilities when acting with minimal Western guidance, according to a former NATO commander.
The offensive, beginning on August 6, marked a significant shift from Ukraine’s previous defensive approach to the ongoing conflict with Russia. By last week, Ukrainian forces had managed to secure a territory of 500 square miles within Russia, as reported by Ukraine’s army chief.
Gen. Philip M.
Breedlove, a retired NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe and former US Air Force general, deemed the offensive a strategic success in comments to the Kyiv Post. He highlighted that this bold maneuver could pose substantial challenges for Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially affecting Russian public perception of their leadership and military prowess.
Gen. Breedlove emphasized the autonomous nature of this operation, noting its success despite the lack of extensive Western input or guidance. He compared this achievement with previous counteroffensives, suggesting that Western-imposed restrictions might have previously hampered Ukraine’s military effectiveness.
Western allies have supported Ukraine with significant military aid, though with stringent conditions, particularly regarding the use of this weaponry within Russian territory. While these restrictions were slightly relaxed in May, fierce limitations remain on long-range weapons, influencing Ukraine’s strategic options.
According to Gen. Breedlove, these Western stipulations stem from fears that a Ukrainian victory could have severe repercussions, a narrative he believes is driven by Russian intimidation tactics. He argues for a reassessment of these policies, advocating for more aggressive support that would allow Ukraine to directly target Russian forces before they reach Ukrainian soil.
The long-term strategic success of the Kursk operation remains to be seen, but Breedlove is optimistic, believing Ukraine now sets the terms of engagement. This marks a stark departure from previous months where Ukraine was primarily reactive.
George Barros, a Russia analyst at the Institute for the Study of War, recognizes the uncertainty of the operation’s resolution but notes its positive impact on Ukraine’s military posture after prolonged defensiveness.
Read the original article on Business Insider for more details.