War in Ukraine: bargaining chip, diversion of attention… the real reasons for the massive attack on kyiv in Russia

Ukraine has carried out several attacks since the beginning of the war in Russian border regions. On Thursday, August 8, 2024, it launched a major offensive on Kursk. A risky bet that nevertheless took the Kremlin by surprise.

Ukraine pulls out all the stops. After months of small, one-off attacks in border regions, kyiv managed to surprise Russia with an offensive in Kursk province on Thursday, reports Le Figaro.

State of emergency

The Ukrainian regular army, aided by several mechanized units from across the Russian border, managed to take the enemy by surprise.

With the help of dozens of drones, kyiv's forces managed to advance 25 kilometers inside Russian territory. Reason why the Kremlin declared a state of emergency.

Diversion

This attack was well-rehearsed. While Ukraine has been steadily losing territory on its front for several weeks, it is counting on this offensive to “relieve the pressure”, strategy expert Marcel Berni tells Blick.

“kyiv hopes that Moscow will now be distracted and will have to withdraw troops towards Kursk”, he explains.

Demonstrate its power

So While Russia is getting excited about Ukraine's many small defeats on its territory, kyiv wants to show that it can still be a military force.

Ukrainian losses are significant, including material losses, and the latest figures do not bode well for Zelensky's army. Thus, by going to Russia to carry out an attack, it hopes to make a show of force that could notably reassure its allies.

Obtain a bargaining chip

According to our colleagues, Ukraine could use the Russian territories that it is currently riddling with attacks to have something to exchange.

While Russia has conquered many territories in Ukraine, the latter is struggling to weigh on the balance of negotiations. Being present on the other side of the border would be a good argument to ask its invader to turn back.