Kursk offensive destroys myth about Putin's sacred power

1. This is not just a brilliant military operation, but also evidence of the qualitative growth of the state apparatus. Preparing and executing such an operation with satellites, UAVs, and a wide network of agents in border areas, all while remaining undetected by the enemy, is the highest level of skill.

2. To "armchair experts" who have only seen tanks and military forces in pictures and lack "official comments and explanations from the authorities about the goals of operations" and "explanations from the military command," I suggest reaching out to the League of sexual reforms. They will explain everything in detail. Get used to the fact that this will happen frequently.

“Surprise and asymmetry are the keys to success in any war, especially against a powerful enemy.”

3. Shifting the war to the enemy's territory provides a significant level of pressure on them because:

• It undermines the myth of the sacredness of their power, creating a foundation for conflicts within their elites and with their people.
• The conflict with the population will escalate with the onset of cold weather, as attacks on their infrastructure will increase. Destabilizing their energy sector is a key factor. For instance, disconnecting the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant from the grid (without needing to capture it) is a first step toward a very cold winter in their cities. Ideally, we need to destroy gas distribution networks in their capital by autumn. This would lead to a social explosion in the capital, which is our goal.
• It destroys myths about "red lines," allowing for increased pressure on partners to extend missile ranges.
• It creates conditions for drawing their forces away from Ukraine.
•  It provides an opportunity to demand Russia withdraw its troops from all of Ukraine, which has already been addressed by officials.
• And many other factors. Some will succeed, others may not. Scenarios can vary.

4. Stop acting like children and shouting that "the West doesn't forbid us from doing this." That's an immature stance. Even if the West publicly forbids it, we need to pursue our own interests. Our interests do not align with theirs. We want chaos there, but they do not. Mature people do not ask others what they should or should not do, especially when it comes to their survival.

About the author: Taras Zahorodnii, managing partner of the National Crisis Group.

The editorial board does not always share the opinions expressed by blog authors.