Ukrainian forces have executed a well-planned series of operations in the northern part of the Kursk salient, disrupting Russian military advances while ensuring an organised withdrawal. These actions, reported by Euromaidan Press, have caught Russian forces off guard and prevented them from achieving their strategic objectives.
The withdrawal was not a retreat but a carefully managed response to an increasingly dangerous battlefield. Russian troops had advanced to critical positions, gaining fire control over Ukrainian supply routes. If Ukrainian forces had delayed further, they would have risked encirclement, forcing them into a far more perilous situation.
The situation was further complicated by the suspension of US intelligence sharing, which had previously provided Ukrainian commanders with real-time updates on Russian movements. Without this crucial information, Ukrainian forces had to rely solely on their own reconnaissance, making the withdrawal even more complex.
A successful disengagement under fire requires precise coordination, disciplined execution, and strong defensive measures to prevent an enemy breakthrough. Understanding these risks, Ukrainian commanders devised a detailed plan to weaken Russian forces before the withdrawal.
Key measures included targeted strikes on Russian command posts to disrupt their coordination, attacks on Russian artillery to reduce their firepower, and hit-and-run raids to slow down the advancing enemy. These tactics created confusion and disarray among Russian forces, preventing them from launching a decisive assault.
The first step in the Ukrainian operation involved destroying a Russian Pantsir-S1 air defence system. This action cleared the skies for Ukrainian drone operations and enabled strikes on Russian command centres, making it harder for Russian commanders to issue coordinated orders.
To further disrupt Russian advances, Ukrainian rear guard units carried out mobile raids. These hit-and-run attacks kept Russian troops on edge, slowing their ability to push forward. Ukrainian Special Forces also launched surprise counterattacks, eliminating unsuspecting Russian soldiers who had expected an unopposed withdrawal.
Additionally, Ukrainian drone operators executed dozens of precision strikes against Russian forces. Kamikaze drones and grenade-carrying UAVs hit advancing Russian units, causing significant casualties and creating delays that bought more time for Ukrainian forces to withdraw in an organised manner.
Even when Russian forces attempted to disrupt the withdrawal, Ukrainian troops responded swiftly. In one notable incident, Ukrainian soldiers spotted an incoming Russian drone, exited their vehicle, and shot it down before it could strike. Such quick responses demonstrated the high level of skill and preparedness among Ukrainian forces.
Despite facing severe challenges, including the loss of US intelligence support, Ukrainian troops successfully executed their withdrawal from the northern part of the Kursk salient. Their tactical approach denied Russia a major breakthrough.
