Ukrainian advance slows in Kursk region as Russian reserves redeployed - Deep State

Ruslan Mykula, a co-founder and analyst of the Deep State project, stated this on Espreso TV.

"The consolidation efforts have been ongoing since the Ukrainian Armed Forces began their advance. Logistics and engineering services were quickly mobilized to support this. While the consolidation of positions continues, progress has recently slowed due to the redeployment of Russian reserves from areas like Vovchansk, Robotyne, and Pokrovsk. These reserves are now being moved to the Kursk region, and Russian forces are expected to attempt counterattacks, which will further slow our advance. Despite this, it’s crucial to keep up the operation, given the current situation and the stalemate on the contact line with the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. This operation should be remembered historically," he said.

Analyzing the situation along the entire combat line, Mykula suggests that Russia is likely trying to optimize its resources.

"Unfortunately, this is not a positive development. The Russian army might shift its focus away from Chasiv Yar, but they are unlikely to abandon their offensive on Pokrovsk due to the significant opportunity it presents. Russian forces are continuing their aggressive push, at great cost to their personnel. The situation remains extremely challenging near Hrodivka and Novotoretske. We have received information - currently being verified - that Russia is clearing Zhelanne and has advanced towards Mykolaivka. Mykolaivka is a strategic height with direct links to Selydove and Novohrodivka, making the battle for Mykolaivka particularly critical and tough," said the Deep State project analyst.

Ukraine’s cross-border incursion in Russia’s Kursk region

On August 6, the authorities of Russia's Kursk region stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces allegedly tried to break through the Russian border, but were allegedly pushed back. Later, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that "the Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group retreated to its territory.”

On August 7, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin convened the Russian military leadership to discuss the situation in the Kursk region, which he called a "large-scale provocation." At the time, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on the international community to "strongly condemn the Kyiv regime's criminal attacks on Russian territory."

Additionally, in the Kursk region, the Russians have started forming UAV operator units from civilians, providing them with up to 10 hours of training.

On August 7, a state of emergency was introduced in the Kursk region.

On August 8, the Institute for War Studies reported that Ukrainian troops confirmed advancing up to 10 km deep into the Kursk region as mechanized offensives continued.

The Washington Post reported that Ukraine has taken control of the gas metering station in Sudzha, Kursk region. Previously, Russia claimed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had occupied several border villages and part of the town of Sudzha.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated that Ukraine’s actions in the Kursk region in Russia "are consistent with U.S. policy" and do not cause any escalation.

On Friday, August 9, it was reported that terrorists from PMC Wagner intend to fight for Russia in the Kursk region.

The Wall Street Journal, citing its own sources, reported that Russian military leaders have decided to withdraw some of their occupation forces from Ukraine to redeploy them to the Kursk region in response to Ukraine’s military operations.

On August 13, John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator at the White House National Security Council, suggested that if Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is concerned about the developments in the Kursk region, he could choose to end the war.

Since the start of August 14, the Defense Forces have captured over 100 Russian soldiers.