Heavy fighting continues in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, and the Russian military is maintaining pressure on other parts of the contact line.

Since the Ukrainian military launched its surprise foray into Russia in August, Russian forces have made tactical advances in at least two parts of the contact line inside Ukraine. 

With its invasion of Russia, Kyiv is taking a calculated risk. 

Russian Tactical Advances 

“In the Ukrainian north-eastern region of Kharkiv, Russian forces have advanced westwards from Pishchane village. They now occupy a small salient 3.5km from the Oskil river,” British Military Intelligence assessed in its latest estimate of the war. “It is likely that Russian forces aim to reach the eastern bank of the Oskil river to use as a natural defensive barrier and set conditions for future operations.” 

“Russian forces' primary effort remains Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Russia has highly likely taken the towns of Hrodivka, east of Pokrovsk, and Ukrainsk, south of the city,” British Military Intelligence added. 

Estimates from the ground suggest that the main Russian force is approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) from downtown Pokrovsk. As Russian units approach the urban center, their progress will become slower. A fortified city is the nightmare of any attacker.

Russian forces have learned this time and again throughout the conflict. Mariupol, Kharkiv, Bakhmut, Severodonetsk and Chasiv Yar are some of the urban centers Russian forces have tried to capture. In some cases, they succeeded; in others, they failed. In all, they suffered heavy casualties.

For example, during the months-long battle to capture Bakhmut, Russian forces suffered approximately 100,000 casualties, or about one-sixth of their overall war losses. 

“Ukrainian reinforcements, urban areas, and Ukrainian defenses have likely contributed to slowing Russia’s advance on the axis in the past week,” British Military Intelligence concluded. 

The Russian military is pushing hard to reach Pokrovsk for a good reason. The city is a major logistical hub for Ukrainian military operations in the Donbas.

If the city were to fall, Kyiv would have a much harder time defending the area, and the Russian military would likely be able to advance further into Eastern Ukraine. 

Mounting Russian Casualties in Ukraine War 

Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to take heavy casualties on the ground. According to the latest data released by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense – estimates largely corroborated by Western intelligence services – over the past 24 hours, the Russian military, paramilitary units, and pro-Russian separatist forces suffered approximately 1,330 troops killed, wounded, or captured.

Moreover, the Russian forces lost approximately 83 artillery pieces and multiple launch rocket systems; 79 tactical vehicles and fuel trucks; 71 unmanned aerial systems; 30 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers; 16 main battle tanks; and 1 piece of special equipment damaged or destroyed. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Kremlin advisers have chosen a war of attrition. These heavy casualties are the result. 

About the Author: 

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

Image Credit: Creative Commons.