By Mark Trevelyan
(Multibagger) - Russia moved extra tanks, artillery and rocket systems to its southern Kursk region on Friday as it battled for the fourth straight day to end a shock incursion by Ukrainian forces. In new evidence of the damage inflicted since the start of the Ukrainian counter-offensive, video posted on social media and verified by Multibagger showed a convoy of about 15 burnt-out Russian military trucks spaced out along a highway in the Kursk region, some containing dead bodies.
Ukrainian forces broke across the border on Tuesday in a thrust that caught the Russian military by surprise after months of gradual advances in eastern Ukraine by Moscow's forces. Politicians and the military are referring to a Ukrainian "invasion", nearly two and a half years after Russia launched its own full-scale invasion of its neighbour.
Two days after Military Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that the advance had been halted, Russia's defence ministry said its forces "continue to repel an attempted invasion by the Armed Forces of Ukraine into the territory of the Russian Federation". Interfax news agency quoted the ministry as saying that Russia was sending in columns of reinforcements with Grad multiple-launch rocket systems, artillery and tanks.
The Ukrainian military has remained silent about the offensive, though President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised his army on Thursday for its ability "to surprise" and achieve results. He did not explicitly reference Kursk.
Ben Barry, land warfare analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), said that while its wider strategic goals remained unclear, Ukraine had exposed Russian shortcomings and overturned the conventional wisdom on the war that the battlefield was "transparent" and neither side could advance without heavy losses. "They clearly have achieved a degree of surprise which suggests that Russia's ability to do intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is inadequate," he said in a phone interview.
Analysis:
The recent Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory has caused a stir in the financial markets, with the Russian rouble dropping 2.5% against the dollar. This unexpected turn of events has implications for investors worldwide. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated, leading to increased volatility in the markets. Investors should closely monitor the situation and consider adjusting their portfolios to mitigate potential risks. Additionally, geopolitical tensions like these can have far-reaching consequences on global economies, so it's crucial for individuals to stay informed and make informed decisions about their investments.