Ukrainian military operations have thrown the spotlight on the strategic south, particularly the Kursk Oblast, where significant advancements by Ukrainian forces have shifted the tide of the conflict. The operational dynamics have evolved over recent weeks, demonstrating both tactical ingenuity and resilience against Russian advances.
On September 28, 2024, reports emerged detailing how Ukrainian forces completely encircled Kremyanoe, east of Korenevo, effectively cutting off key supply routes to Russian troops. This encirclement came after weeks of pressure from Ukrainian units, who systematically dismantled Russian supply lines, forcing many Russian units to retreat. The situation escalated when Ukrainian artillery and drone strikes targeted the last remaining supply line, rendering the Russian contingent trapped and increasingly isolated.
The strategic encirclement of Kremyanoe is not merely tactical; it reflects Ukraine's broader operational strategy aimed at attrition and resource conservation. Rather than launching costly full-scale assaults, Ukrainian commanders opted for a more calculated approach by tightening the siege gradually. This method not only preserves Ukrainian resources but also increases the vulnerabilities of Russian troops, forcing them to rely on increasingly desperate resupply missions.
Meanwhile, the situation near Malaya Loknya—a village north of Sudzha—showcases the same containment strategies used to encircle Kremyanoe. Ukrainian forces have effectively cut off escape routes and monitored Russian movements closely with drones, leading to Russian troops being left without the necessary supplies. Despite attempts to coordinate rescue missions and open escape routes, those efforts were intercepted by Ukrainian units, deepening the crisis for the isolated Russian forces.
Former Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren has weighed in on Ukraine's military strategy, declaring it admirable. She emphasized at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) forum the need for global militaries to learn from the tactics employed by Ukraine, which she believes will soon serve as fundamental case studies for military academies worldwide. She noted, “It was brilliant organized: the tactics, secrecy, and use of various systems. I think it will be studied as textbook material.”
This perspective substantiates the notion of Ukraine's innovative military actions—including its use of unmanned systems and responses to Russian tactics—as worth emulating. Ollongren’s remarks also referenced the Russian military's psychological barriers—what she referred to as “red lines”—implying they exist more as constructs than actual limitations. Her commentary underlines the importance of international cooperation, exemplified by Dutch support for Ukrainian defenses against Russian aggression.
Ukraine's operations have also been seen as pivotal due to their timing and strategic execution. The Kursk incursion launched on August 6, 2024, is viewed as Ukraine's response to earlier setbacks, marking its first major strategic victory since the liberation of Kherson. The attack successfully opened another front and began reshaping the narrative surrounding the conflict, countering the previously dominant Russian narrative of impunity.
Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of Kyiv's parliamentary foreign affairs committee, explained multiple objectives behind the Kursk operation. Key among these was to reduce the pressure on Ukrainian forces deployed elsewhere on the front lines and establish what he termed as “a buffer zone” around Sumy, which is strategically significant from both military and symbolic perspectives.
While there are evident victories, the narrative remains complex. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has routinely called for more extensive international support. On August 17, he stressed the need for advanced weaponry to fully capitalize on the momentum generated by the Kursk offensive. This highlights Ukraine's precarious balance; success on the battlefield must also align with economic stability and international diplomatic efforts.
Despite these gains, challenges remain. Russian forces continue to engage vigorously along other fronts, and recent reports indicate they have ramped up efforts near the Oskil River, potentially complicate Ukraine's progress. The operational pressures are high, as the Russian military adapts to counteract Ukrainian advances and seeks to maintain its own front lines.
Looking forward, the outcomes surrounding the encirclements at Kremyanoe and Malaya Loknya may well influence the broader operational theater and the flow of support to both sides. The current military engagements underline the shifting dynamics of this prolonged conflict, drawing attention to how operational discipline, tactical patience, and resource management are redefining warfare strategies.
With the stakes this high, both military theorists and practitioners will be examining Ukraine's approach—not merely to understand the current war but to glean insights applicable to future conflicts. Ukraine's success on the battlefield reflects more than just raw firepower; it embodies strategic thinking and adaptability, potentially establishing new operational standards, paving the way for how modern warfare evolves.
