Washington, August 28, 2024, The Europe Today: Ukraine’s ongoing cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region is likely to continue “for some period of time,” according to Deputy CIA Director David Cohen. Speaking at the Intelligence and National Security Summit on Wednesday, Cohen provided insights into the unexpected operation launched by Ukrainian forces earlier this month.
Kiev’s surprise offensive, involving up to 10,000 troops equipped with Western-supplied heavy weaponry, marks a significant escalation in the conflict. Ukrainian forces have managed to seize control of some border areas, resulting in civilian casualties, though their advance into Russian territory has stalled. Reports suggest that Ukraine did not consult its Western allies prior to launching the raid, leaving many puzzled about its strategic objectives.
When asked whether the CIA was caught off guard by the incursion, Cohen declined to comment directly, stating that the full significance and implications of the attack “remain to be seen.” He noted that Ukrainian forces are currently consolidating their positions within Russian territory, building defenses, and possibly intending to hold these areas for an extended period.
“They are remaining in Russia, building defenses, and, as best as we can tell from our conversations, there seems to be intent on retaining some of that territory for some period of time,” Cohen stated, though he did not elaborate on the specifics of these conversations.
Cohen further suggested that Ukraine’s operation “has the potential to change the dynamic” of the conflict, while acknowledging that Russia will likely launch a counteroffensive to reclaim the territory. “I think our expectation is that this will be a difficult fight for the Russians,” he added. “It’s still early days in this, so we’ll have to see how it all plays out.”
The goals of Ukraine’s leadership regarding the Kursk Region operation have been inconsistent. Initially, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office indicated that capturing Russian territory was aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position in potential peace talks with Moscow. The operation was also framed as an effort to pressure the Russian government by instilling fear among the Russian population.
However, the narrative shifted over time, with Zelensky later claiming that the creation of a buffer zone was the primary objective. Last Saturday, he asserted that the incursion had thwarted a planned Russian advance into Ukraine’s Sumy Region from the Kursk Region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the incursion, citing the harm inflicted on Russian civilians as a major obstacle to peace negotiations. Putin had previously offered a ceasefire in exchange for political and military concessions, but the latest developments have seemingly closed the door on such discussions.
