Ukrainian air defence successfully shot down more than ten Russian drones during the third attack on Kyiv in four days, according to Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, on Thursday (August 29). Meanwhile, one civilian was killed and another two were injured in Ukrainian shelling of the town of Shebekino in Russia's Belgorod region, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov informed, reports Reuters. Russia’s struggle in Kursk region Despite three weeks of fighting, Russia has been unable to dislodge Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, marking a surprisingly slow and low-key response to the first occupation of its territory since World War II. The situation highlights Russian manpower challenges and shifting priorities, with the bulk of its military focused on offensives within Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin's primary focus remains on the complete capture of Ukraine's Donbas region, which includes the illegally annexed territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. This priority has limited Russia's ability to mobilise additional forces to address the incursion in Kursk. Ukrainian incursion and Russian response As Ukrainian forces advanced into Kursk on August 6, Russian troops continued their slow push around the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk. Russian officials, including Putin, have downplayed the significance of the Ukrainian incursion, describing it as a tactic to slow Russia's campaign in Donetsk. The Russian government's response to the Kursk incursion has been measured, with state media focusing on humanitarian efforts for displaced residents rather than the military failure. This approach aims to prevent a rise in domestic unrest and maintain support for the ongoing war. Russia's efforts to counter Ukraine's offensive in Kursk have been limited, involving irregular forces and militia units rather than a coordinated military response. Despite capturing a significant area, Ukrainian forces face logistical challenges in maintaining control over the territory. While the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk has embarrassed the Kremlin, it also presents risks for Kyiv. The extended front line and stretched supply lines could make Ukrainian forces vulnerable to a Russian counteroffensive once Moscow adapts to the new situation. Ukraine's success in Kursk has disrupted Russian logistics and created a buffer zone, but sustaining this advance will require careful strategy and resources. The outcome of this phase of the conflict will depend on how both sides adapt and deploy their forces in the coming weeks. (With agency inputs)
