Important: First Decent Estimate of Ukrainian Troops invading Russia

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[Finally I've found a news story with a more accurate idea of how many Ukrainians are actually involved in the attack into Russia. This estimate here of 1,000 troops makes a lot more sense than the numbers of 20,000 or 30,000 that were being thrown around. This sounds much more reasonable. Previously, when they attacked, they did it with a couple of hundred men – like 400 or so. This is much bigger, and for now, the concept of this as a Diversion to cause the Russians grief and to cost them casualties when they fight back, makes the most sense to me. Jan]

NB: You can view the map here: https://static.nv.ua/shared/system/MediaInfographic/images/000/022/133/original/27165049dcae00e45b7b4b94c66c36fc.png?q=85&stamp=20240808122739&f=webp

Here’s the short article:

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.

Source: 1440