Holding Kursk region territory is strategically impractical – Ukrainian Army General Malomuzh

The general shared this view on Espreso TV.

“We managed to take over a large part of the Kursk region when the enemy wasn’t prepared for it. It was a well-executed operation that caught Russia off guard — they didn’t have the resources or troops to counter us effectively. We’re not talking about breaching fortified lines or overcoming strong defenses. During the operation, Russian conscripts, FSB personnel, and Russian Guards abandoned their positions and fled. That’s why we succeeded in taking such a large area,” Malomuzh explained.

He acknowledged the operation was effective but stressed that isolated victories like this aren’t enough for a larger breakthrough. Holding one bridgehead deep in Russian territory doesn’t make strategic sense.

“Surprise is key to this type of warfare,” he continued. “I believe our command has likely planned similar strikes in the Belgorod and Bryansk regions, as well as in temporarily occupied territories where Russian defenses are weak. These actions require building reserves and planning strategic strikes. The operation in Kursk was one such success. But holding this territory now is highly challenging. Russia is ramping up its efforts there, and keeping these positions serves no broader purpose. We’re in a war of maneuver, and it’s time to pivot — withdraw from Kursk and focus on other fronts without wasting resources on areas that lack fortified defenses or sustainable positions,” Malomuzh added.

• Military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko addressed rumors about the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ potential withdrawal from the Kursk region.