Ukraine’s daring incursion into Russia’s Kursk area offers the nation a much-needed breakthrough on the battlefield and represents yet one more setback for the Kremlin.
But the operation isn’t a army game-changer. Whilst Ukrainian forces have occupied greater than 1,000 sq. kilometers (400 sq. miles) of Russia, the Russian army has been making vital advances alongside the entrance line in Ukraine’s Donbas area and pummeling the nation from the air. Neither Russia nor Ukraine is able to obtain an absolute army victory; this battle will probably be concluded on the negotiating desk, not on the battlefield.
It’s on the negotiating desk that Ukraine’s push into Kursk might effectively find yourself working to its benefit. By efficiently demonstrating that it may well take the combat to Russian territory, Ukraine has strengthened its hand in future negotiations. The USA and its allies ought to now work with Ukraine to place this newfound leverage to good use by charting a course towards a cease-fire and diplomatic endgame.