Kursk operation: What Ukraine achieved so far and potential future gains

Ukraine’s ongoing operation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, a bold incursion launched nearly three weeks ago that surprised Moscow and the world alike, has already yielded some tangible military and political results while also raising hopes for a sooner end to Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The Kursk incursion has allowed Ukraine to set a precedent for further offensive actions. It has created conditions for returning more Ukrainian prisoners of war by capturing scores of Russian POWs. The first major invasion of Russia since World War II has also dealt a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reputation while lifting the spirits of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.

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