Ukrainian armed forces have pushed through two defensive lines in Russia's southwestern Kursk Oblast since the operation began Tuesday. The cross-border incursion—9 miles into Russia—is Ukraine's largest since the war began 30 months ago, involving an estimated 1,000 soldiers in dozens of armored vehicles.
The operation comes amid mostly stalemate conditions along the two countries' 600-mile front line. Analysts say Ukraine has captured roughly 50 square miles of territory, including a Gazprom-owned gas metering station, the Russian town of Sudzha, and at least 11 other settlements (see map). Images showed US-made equipment in use in the operation, though American officials stated the incursion did not violate its policies around the use of US weapons in the war.
Analysts say the sudden move into Russian territory could be designed to divert forces from current hot spot areas of the conflict. A Ukrainian adviser has indicated the move was designed to help Ukraine's position in potential negotiations with Russia.
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