Large Russian Offensive in Kursk Falls Short as Ukrainian Forces Hold the Ground, Bild Reports

A large-scale Russian military offensive in the Kursk region has ended in failure, despite initial plans for a swift victory, Bild reported on September 27.

In mid-August, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that by October 1, the Russian army would fully regain control over the entire Kursk region. However, the counteroffensive has been delayed—Russian tanks only advanced south from Korenovo on September 17. Shortly afterward, the Kremlin extended the deadline, stating the Russian military now has until mid-October to reclaim the territories occupied by Ukrainian forces.

Even this revised goal appears increasingly unrealistic. Ukrainian forces are not retreating without a fight, and the Ukrainian command is deploying additional units to the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces are attempting to outflank Russia’s counteroffensive, forcing Russian troops to defend multiple fronts simultaneously.

Russia reportedly knew about the planning of Ukrainian operation for months, but was unable to stop it.