Ukraine blows up key bridges and says aim is to carve out a buffer zone inside Russia
NBCAUG 2024
Ukraine Advances in Kursk, Russia Heaps Pressure on Ukraine's East
Above: Ukrainian armored infantry vehicle ROSHEL travels past an unfinished church on the road from Sumy to the border with Russia on August 15, 2024 near the Rusian border in the Sumy region of Ukraine. Image copyright: Libkos/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Ukraine's bold offensive in Kursk has lifted morale and changed the narrative among international partners that Ukraine would continue to suffer setbacks against a larger enemy. However, the strategy has risks. Committing troops to Kursk could leave forces vulnerable in Ukraine's east, and Ukraine's leadership must be mindful of this as the conflict progresses.
Pro-Russia narrative
Ukraine believed that attacking inside Russia would strengthen its hand in potential peace negotiations. However, all it has done is put peace negotiations out of the question. Ukraine will pay the price for launching this offensive.