Ukraine gambles with Kursk invasion of Russia

The Russians got caught with their pants down in Kursk. The Ukrainians pulled off a large-scale invasion using new tactics.

They advanced far into Russian territory, mostly unopposed, or countered only by some inexperienced territorial units. They did it with drone power but not any other air power, mostly because they don’t have any (notwithstanding the symbolic F-16s based in Romania).

Russia has declared a Federal Emergency in the Kursk region.

This is written on the morning of Friday, August 9. The invasion started on the previous Tuesday, August 6. While the Russians are now pounding the Ukrainians, the Russians are only just bringing up sufficient troops and special operators to try and crush the Ukrainian advance.

This too was pre-planned by the Ukrainians and their NATO backers. Ukrainian forces are digging in wherever they can, as the objective is to hold territory for as long as possible.

According to Rybar reporting on Telegram, Ukrainian forces consisting of the 82nd and 80th separate air assault brigades are leading the attacks, supported by the 22nd and 61st separate mechanized brigades of the AFU.

In addition, the 150th Motorized Rifle Brigade, 5th Air Assault Brigade, 151st Territorial Defense Battalion and 24th Mountain Assault Brigade are participating in a limited capacity.

The Russian side is still rather disorganized. Overall responsibility for Kursk and the northern area has changed hands a number of times in recent months, leaving confusion and lack of preparation in its wake.

The Russians are reportedly bringing up fresh forces (so far not named), including units known as “fire brigades.” These are assault spetsnaz-type units that are well-trained and effective.

Everyone knows that sooner or