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Officials: Russia Pulls Troops From Ukraine to Reinforce Kursk Region
Above: Ukrainian soldiers operate an artillery position in Kharkiv on June 9, 2024. Image copyright: Nikoletta Stoyanova/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Russia's military command has withdrawn forces from Ukraine to reinforce the defense of the Russian border region of Kursk, the scene of last week's surprise Ukrainian assault, according to Ukrainian and US officials.
"Russia has relocated some of its units from both Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine's south," Dmytro Lykhoviy, a Ukrainian army spokesman, told Politico. A US official speaking to the Wall Street Journal gave a similar account, without providing more information.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
After Kyiv's previous counteroffensive failed to gain momentum, and while the country has struggled to hold back Russia's larger occupying force, this bold and daring assault from Ukraine has shattered the myth of Russian invincibility and strengthens their hand in future peace negotiations.
Pro-Russia narrative
Rather than strengthen Ukraine's negotiating position, this assault into Russian territory has now put the prospect of any peace negotiations on hold. After a series of attacks on civilians, Russians are now more determined than ever to deal Ukraine the military defeat they deserve.