War in Ukraine: Russians launch first large-scale counteroffensive in Kursk region

Russian activist bloggers reported that Moscow launched a counteroffensive against Ukrainian-controlled territory on Tuesday, September 10.

The Telegram channel Rybar, which is allegedly linked to the General Staff of the Russian Army, announced on September 10 the start of the Russian counteroffensive in the Korenevsky district of Kursk Oblast. Clashes are taking place in several localities, including Gordeevka and Vnezapnoe, on the western edge of the zone occupied by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), reports Kyiv Post.

Pro-Kremlin blogger Dva Mayora reported that Russia had deployed elite units of the 51st Paratrooper Regiment and the 155th Marine Brigade to support the offensive. He claimed that Russian troops were advancing near the villages of Byakhovo, Snagost and Apanasovka. Dva Mayora also reported that fighting was continuing in the town of Viktorovka.

Several settlements “liberated” by Russian forces

The groups Sever, Zapiski Veterana and MASH, reported that several settlements had been “liberated” by Russian forces, claiming that up to 150 square kilometers (58 square miles) had been recaptured. However, these claims have not yet been independently verified.

The Ukrainian open-source intelligence (OSINT) channel DeepState has partially confirmed the start of the Russian counteroffensive. DeepState reported that “the situation on the left flank of the AFU grouping in the Kursk region has worsened”, publishing footage of a Russian armored column crossing the Seym River and its tributaries in the Glushkovsky district. The channel also reported that Russian forces, having captured Korenevo following the AFU withdrawal, were moving towards Snagost.

In response to this situation, military analyst Yan Matveyev explained that the main goal of the Russians is to “liberate their forces currently stuck in the Glushkovsky district” and to attempt to "cut off Ukrainian logistics routes".