How does the Kursk Offensive change the dynamic of the war?
Capturing Russian conscripts and territory is a useful card in negotiations, whether that is for a ceasefire or just a prisoner swap. Bringing the war into Russian territory also makes it more difficult for the Russian government to sell to the population
Bringing the war into Russian territory also makes it more difficult for the Russian government to sell to the population
Absolute mind palace nonsense
So far, conditions don’t seem to be pointing in Ukraines favor though. Maintaining an offensive is costly, and winter is approaching. Strategically, it could provide bargaining chips, but Russia just needs to wait it out while they maintain industrial advantages.
It seems to me that this is ultimately not going to change the dynamic much, at the cost of Ukranian lives.
I don’t think we should expect any given offensive by either side to completely overturn the whole war. A move also does not have to do that to be worthwhile. All it has to do to be worthwhile is cost Russia more than it costs Ukraine (relative to the resources available for each side). Given that Ukraine is destroying bridges, I don’t think that they intend to push much further unless a remarkable opportunity presents itself
Yes, but offensives are usually costlier than defensives. Given that Ukranian equipment has come at a far greater cost than Russian equipment, Ukraine has to be extremely careful in any engagement to not fall behind materially.
Eric Schmidt just famously said that a good offense is the only good defense in war.
We will see if he’s right or wrong.
Eric Schmidt should try storming a fortified position then