Russian Invasion of Ukraine[In Progress]

[DaRude]

Guys, what's going on near Kursk? They say Russians are being chased ?

Indeed interesting development. On surface another suicidal mission like all of the previous attempts. Russia has around 300k conscripts which it's not allowed to use inside Ukraine, but can definitely use on its own land, so PR move for next few days at great cost to Ukraine. Now let's see why Ukraine is willing to sacrifice it's remaining military force for some PR points now:

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak announced during a national TV broadcast that the surprise incursion was launched to boost Kyiv's position in future negotiations with Russia, Telegram channel Country Politics reported.

The presidential adviser said Russian losses of territory, people and equipment will positively impact potential future negotiations with Russia in the war, launched by President Vladimir Putin in February 2022.

Heading into this winter with power cuts would be suicidal for Ukrainian leadership (and nothing good for EU), they risks full collapse and revolt from its citizens. So this is UA's last hurrah before they must start negotiations with Russia. Like i've been saying, this madness should finally end before 2025

The "suicidal mission" is now equivalent to what Ruzzia can take in more than a month of fighting anywhere else in the front. Yesterday's data shows 18 km of front with a maximum penetration of 20 km.

If there is a nearby negotiation (and it seems Zelensky has pointed in that direction and the last summit in Switzerland seemed to be a preparation to measure positions internationally), there is of course an interest in having as many PoWs as possible and getting as much land as possible.

It also seems there are some strategic objectives around creating a more defensible border and cutting at least one important railway line.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-incursion-kursk-region-putin-b2593051.html

War monitor the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Ukrainian soldiers had penetrated more than six miles (10km) across the border, breaking through two Russian defensive lines and a stronghold.

Russia declared a state of emergency amid the fierce fighting, despite seeking to claim that the situation was under control. Russian state media said that 3,000 people have been evacuated from the area.

This does not look "suicidal" to me. You know... compared to what Ruzzia has to throw in the meat grinder for an equivalent result, one would say that you are trying to make it look the opposite. Just saying.

Let's face it: Ruzzia has been caught on the wrong foot... by a lot.

...

Yes yes ingenious war tactic, when you're already stretched thin and giving up territory every day just collect your reserves and throw them in an attack (cause everyone knows you loose less troops when attacking right ) Odd that Zaluzhnyi hasn't done that before, if he had, this would've already been over by now. Totally rational to call it a win even before we find out if UA can hold it for more than 98hrs, you're like UA;s cheerleader squad whatever UA does is totally amazing and a right decision, why, because you're unable to say otherwise and don't even attempt to appear remotely objective

[LTU_btc]

The "suicidal mission" is now equivalent to what Ruzzia can take in more than a month of fighting anywhere else in the front. Yesterday's data shows 18 km of front with a maximum penetration of 20 km.

If there is a nearby negotiation (and it seems Zelensky has pointed in that direction and the last summit in Switzerland seemed to be a preparation to measure positions internationally), there is of course an interest in having as many PoWs as possible and getting as much land as possible.

It also seems there are some strategic objectives around creating a more defensible border and cutting at least one important railway line.

I'm wondering what's the goal of this operation. There is huge gas station in Sudzha where it's transitted to Europe through Ukraine, it's important object.
There is theory that Ukraine can try to take Kursk nuclear power plant, it's about 70km from border. Not sure how real this scenario can be. But it's obvious that Russia wasn't ready for this operation.

[paxmao]

Edit to update: Ukraine is 40 km deep in Putin's Ruzzia (some claim). Troop are 25 km from Kursk, 20 from the nearby Kurskaya nuclear power-plant. This is day 3 of this new offensive direction.

Guys, what's going on near Kursk? They say Russians are being chased ?

Indeed interesting development. On surface another suicidal mission like all of the previous attempts. Russia has around 300k conscripts which it's not allowed to use inside Ukraine, but can definitely use on its own land, so PR move for next few days at great cost to Ukraine. Now let's see why Ukraine is willing to sacrifice it's remaining military force for some PR points now:

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak announced during a national TV broadcast that the surprise incursion was launched to boost Kyiv's position in future negotiations with Russia, Telegram channel Country Politics reported.

The presidential adviser said Russian losses of territory, people and equipment will positively impact potential future negotiations with Russia in the war, launched by President Vladimir Putin in February 2022.

Heading into this winter with power cuts would be suicidal for Ukrainian leadership (and nothing good for EU), they risks full collapse and revolt from its citizens. So this is UA's last hurrah before they must start negotiations with Russia. Like i've been saying, this madness should finally end before 2025

The "suicidal mission" is now equivalent to what Ruzzia can take in more than a month of fighting anywhere else in the front. Yesterday's data shows 18 km of front with a maximum penetration of 20 km.

If there is a nearby negotiation (and it seems Zelensky has pointed in that direction and the last summit in Switzerland seemed to be a preparation to measure positions internationally), there is of course an interest in having as many PoWs as possible and getting as much land as possible.

It also seems there are some strategic objectives around creating a more defensible border and cutting at least one important railway line.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-incursion-kursk-region-putin-b2593051.html

War monitor the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Ukrainian soldiers had penetrated more than six miles (10km) across the border, breaking through two Russian defensive lines and a stronghold.

Russia declared a state of emergency amid the fierce fighting, despite seeking to claim that the situation was under control. Russian state media said that 3,000 people have been evacuated from the area.

This does not look "suicidal" to me. You know... compared to what Ruzzia has to throw in the meat grinder for an equivalent result, one would say that you are trying to make it look the opposite. Just saying.

Let's face it: Ruzzia has been caught on the wrong foot... by a lot.

...

Yes yes ingenious war tactic, when you're already stretched thin and giving up territory every day just collect your reserves and throw them in an attack (cause everyone knows you loose less troops when attacking right ) Odd that Zaluzhnyi hasn't done that before, if he had, this would've already been over by now. Totally rational to call it a win even before we find out if UA can hold it for more than 98hrs, you're like UA;s cheerleader squad whatever UA does is totally amazing and a right decision, why, because you're unable to say otherwise and don't even attempt to appear remotely objective

Oh, sure, sure... bad idea, bad tactic meat grinder, reserves... all the buzz words, but at the end of the day Ukraine has freed from Putin a good chunk of Ruzzian land in just a couple of days. If you want it back come take it or... trade it for something Ukraine likes. Keep on you accomplished military genius, move your beers in the troll farm bar and imagine winning imaginary wars.

Meanwhile, surrender of the untrained border troops has been filmed in-mass - again, want them back? I will update on this, it is starting to look embarrasing for Ruzzia to have such a lassitude in defence and I would not want you to miss the opportunity to say something stupid again.

[BADecker]

Russia: Zelensky Is A “War Criminal” And A “Legitimate Military Target” - https://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/russia-zelensky-is-a-war-criminal-and-a-legitimate-military-target


Russia’s Medvedev Says It Should “Go Further” Against Ukraine


https://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/russias-medvedev-says-it-should-go-further-against-ukraine
“From this moment, the special military operation should become openly exterritorial in nature,” Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy chair of the Russian Security Council, argued in a post on Thursday. Medvedev has long been a proponent of finishing off Ukraine in the war as a way to quickly bring it to an end and achieve Russia’s goals.

Medvedev, a Ukraine conflict hardliner, said the “terrorist operation” in Kursk Region should “remove any taboo” on declarin[/i]g publicly that the Russian forces “will only stop when we consider it acceptable and beneficial for us.”
...

[DaRude]

Edit to update: Ukraine is 40 km deep in Putin's Ruzzia (some claim). Troop are 25 km from Kursk, 20 from the nearby Kurskaya nuclear power-plant. This is day 3 of this new offensive direction.

Guys, what's going on near Kursk? They say Russians are being chased ?

Indeed interesting development. On surface another suicidal mission like all of the previous attempts. Russia has around 300k conscripts which it's not allowed to use inside Ukraine, but can definitely use on its own land, so PR move for next few days at great cost to Ukraine. Now let's see why Ukraine is willing to sacrifice it's remaining military force for some PR points now:

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak announced during a national TV broadcast that the surprise incursion was launched to boost Kyiv's position in future negotiations with Russia, Telegram channel Country Politics reported.

The presidential adviser said Russian losses of territory, people and equipment will positively impact potential future negotiations with Russia in the war, launched by President Vladimir Putin in February 2022.

Heading into this winter with power cuts would be suicidal for Ukrainian leadership (and nothing good for EU), they risks full collapse and revolt from its citizens. So this is UA's last hurrah before they must start negotiations with Russia. Like i've been saying, this madness should finally end before 2025

The "suicidal mission" is now equivalent to what Ruzzia can take in more than a month of fighting anywhere else in the front. Yesterday's data shows 18 km of front with a maximum penetration of 20 km.

If there is a nearby negotiation (and it seems Zelensky has pointed in that direction and the last summit in Switzerland seemed to be a preparation to measure positions internationally), there is of course an interest in having as many PoWs as possible and getting as much land as possible.

It also seems there are some strategic objectives around creating a more defensible border and cutting at least one important railway line.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-incursion-kursk-region-putin-b2593051.html

War monitor the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Ukrainian soldiers had penetrated more than six miles (10km) across the border, breaking through two Russian defensive lines and a stronghold.

Russia declared a state of emergency amid the fierce fighting, despite seeking to claim that the situation was under control. Russian state media said that 3,000 people have been evacuated from the area.

This does not look "suicidal" to me. You know... compared to what Ruzzia has to throw in the meat grinder for an equivalent result, one would say that you are trying to make it look the opposite. Just saying.

Let's face it: Ruzzia has been caught on the wrong foot... by a lot.

...

Yes yes ingenious war tactic, when you're already stretched thin and giving up territory every day just collect your reserves and throw them in an attack (cause everyone knows you loose less troops when attacking right ) Odd that Zaluzhnyi hasn't done that before, if he had, this would've already been over by now. Totally rational to call it a win even before we find out if UA can hold it for more than 98hrs, you're like UA;s cheerleader squad whatever UA does is totally amazing and a right decision, why, because you're unable to say otherwise and don't even attempt to appear remotely objective

Oh, sure, sure... bad idea, bad tactic meat grinder, reserves... all the buzz words, but at the end of the day Ukraine has freed from Putin a good chunk of Ruzzian land in just a couple of days. If you want it back come take it or... trade it for something Ukraine likes. Keep on you accomplished military genius, move your beers in the troll farm bar and imagine winning imaginary wars.

Meanwhile, surrender of the untrained border troops has been filmed in-mass - again, want them back? I will update on this, it is starting to look embarrasing for Ruzzia to have such a lassitude in defence and I would not want you to miss the opportunity to say something stupid again.

Easy way to spot propaganda is they have to claim that whatever happens, surely happens for the best, and any outcome is surely to your benefit, you're unable to even discuss any costs, downsides or risks. On the contrary my argument is that this doesn't make any military sense, but potentially can destabilize the regime with some rogue general like with Prigozhin so it's a psyop, build up internal pressure on Putin so that his hawks will demand to rush troops from Kharkov to free Russian land right away. If Ukraine manages to hold on to this land when negotiations start, or Russia moves it's troop away from Kharkov i will concede that this was a smart move before negotiations, on the other hand if Russia doesn't overreact and UA retreats in few days this would be a breaking point for Ukraine. But you're unable to do that, you're just parroting how amazing it is that few thousands soldiers with tanks were able to overrun some border guards, on a thousand km border. Goals and outcome of this mission doesn't really fit into your propaganda, does it?

The "suicidal mission" is now equivalent to what Ruzzia can take in more than a month of fighting anywhere else in the front. Yesterday's data shows 18 km of front with a maximum penetration of 20 km.

If there is a nearby negotiation (and it seems Zelensky has pointed in that direction and the last summit in Switzerland seemed to be a preparation to measure positions internationally), there is of course an interest in having as many PoWs as possible and getting as much land as possible.

It also seems there are some strategic objectives around creating a more defensible border and cutting at least one important railway line.

I'm wondering what's the goal of this operation. There is huge gas station in Sudzha where it's transitted to Europe through Ukraine, it's important object.
There is theory that Ukraine can try to take Kursk nuclear power plant, it's about 70km from border. Not sure how real this scenario can be. But it's obvious that Russia wasn't ready for this operation.

I just don't get that argument, Ukraine is fully capable of stopping the transit from their side, what's the point of capturing gas station on Russian territory just to stop transmitting gas through Ukraine  
NPP also doesn't make much sense either, little upside ton of liability, UA wont be able to benefit from it for this winter, and there's no shortage of power in RU and RU should be able to cope with a loss of one NPP pretty easy, plus would be a silly thing to do when you don't even have enough manpower to hold the line in Donbas.

Don't look for a military meaning in this mission, it's a long shot attempt to destabilize/demoralize Russia from within. A gem for propaganda, first time foreign troops in Russia since WW2, German tanks again on Russian soil etc etc etc got to wait and see how well it'll work out, to decide if it was worth the cost.

"Russia brought the war to our land, and it should feel what it has done. We are striving to achieve our goals as soon as possible in peacetime – under the conditions of a just peace. And it will happen."
-Zelenskyy

In either case, appears that UA is signaling that negotiations are near and they're just trying to improve their position. Which i think everyone can welcome such development.

[DerAlte]

An entire column of the Russian army, which was going to help, was burned down last night. It's a very hot night.

[Vallkeinec]

An entire column of the Russian army, which was going to help, was burned down last night. It's a very hot night.

There are already two confirmations, night shooting and day shooting.

[paxmao]

Edit to update: Ukraine is 40 km deep in Putin's Ruzzia (some claim). Troop are 25 km from Kursk, 20 from the nearby Kurskaya nuclear power-plant. This is day 3 of this new offensive direction.

Guys, what's going on near Kursk? They say Russians are being chased ?

Indeed interesting development. On surface another suicidal mission like all of the previous attempts. Russia has around 300k conscripts which it's not allowed to use inside Ukraine, but can definitely use on its own land, so PR move for next few days at great cost to Ukraine. Now let's see why Ukraine is willing to sacrifice it's remaining military force for some PR points now:

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak announced during a national TV broadcast that the surprise incursion was launched to boost Kyiv's position in future negotiations with Russia, Telegram channel Country Politics reported.

The presidential adviser said Russian losses of territory, people and equipment will positively impact potential future negotiations with Russia in the war, launched by President Vladimir Putin in February 2022.

Heading into this winter with power cuts would be suicidal for Ukrainian leadership (and nothing good for EU), they risks full collapse and revolt from its citizens. So this is UA's last hurrah before they must start negotiations with Russia. Like i've been saying, this madness should finally end before 2025

The "suicidal mission" is now equivalent to what Ruzzia can take in more than a month of fighting anywhere else in the front. Yesterday's data shows 18 km of front with a maximum penetration of 20 km.

If there is a nearby negotiation (and it seems Zelensky has pointed in that direction and the last summit in Switzerland seemed to be a preparation to measure positions internationally), there is of course an interest in having as many PoWs as possible and getting as much land as possible.

It also seems there are some strategic objectives around creating a more defensible border and cutting at least one important railway line.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-incursion-kursk-region-putin-b2593051.html

War monitor the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Ukrainian soldiers had penetrated more than six miles (10km) across the border, breaking through two Russian defensive lines and a stronghold.

Russia declared a state of emergency amid the fierce fighting, despite seeking to claim that the situation was under control. Russian state media said that 3,000 people have been evacuated from the area.

This does not look "suicidal" to me. You know... compared to what Ruzzia has to throw in the meat grinder for an equivalent result, one would say that you are trying to make it look the opposite. Just saying.

Let's face it: Ruzzia has been caught on the wrong foot... by a lot.

...

Yes yes ingenious war tactic, when you're already stretched thin and giving up territory every day just collect your reserves and throw them in an attack (cause everyone knows you loose less troops when attacking right ) Odd that Zaluzhnyi hasn't done that before, if he had, this would've already been over by now. Totally rational to call it a win even before we find out if UA can hold it for more than 98hrs, you're like UA;s cheerleader squad whatever UA does is totally amazing and a right decision, why, because you're unable to say otherwise and don't even attempt to appear remotely objective

Oh, sure, sure... bad idea, bad tactic meat grinder, reserves... all the buzz words, but at the end of the day Ukraine has freed from Putin a good chunk of Ruzzian land in just a couple of days. If you want it back come take it or... trade it for something Ukraine likes. Keep on you accomplished military genius, move your beers in the troll farm bar and imagine winning imaginary wars.

Meanwhile, surrender of the untrained border troops has been filmed in-mass - again, want them back? I will update on this, it is starting to look embarrasing for Ruzzia to have such a lassitude in defence and I would not want you to miss the opportunity to say something stupid again.

Easy way to spot propaganda is they have to claim that whatever happens, surely happens for the best, and any outcome is surely to your benefit, you're unable to even discuss any costs, downsides or risks. On the contrary my argument is that this doesn't make any military sense, but potentially can destabilize the regime with some rogue general like with Prigozhin so it's a psyop, build up internal pressure on Putin so that his hawks will demand to rush troops from Kharkov to free Russian land right away. If Ukraine manages to hold on to this land when negotiations start, or Russia moves it's troop away from Kharkov i will concede that this was a smart move before negotiations, on the other hand if Russia doesn't overreact and UA retreats in few days this would be a breaking point for Ukraine. But you're unable to do that, you're just parroting how amazing it is that few thousands soldiers with tanks were able to overrun some border guards, on a thousand km border. Goals and outcome of this mission doesn't really fit into your propaganda, does it?

[... stuff that does not return 100 km2 back to Ruzzia ...]

On the contrary, I am absolutely OK to discuss losses, risks and benefits, but I have the feeling you are not and will come out with something else (e.g. your favourite fixations Nuland and Nordstream) or some troll farm parroting. Let's try to see if you actually have any data or you are ... just saying...

1. what do you think are the loses for Ukraine in three days?
2. How many Ruzzian PoW has Ukraine made?
3. How many km2 has Ruzzia lost in these 3 days?
4. What is the benefit for Ruzzia of Ukraine being  (some sources claim) 50km, loosing several localities including Sudzha 5000 habitants?

Let's compare:
1b. How long did it take for Ruzzia to take Avdiivka and how many loses would you say were there?
2b. How many loses would you say takes Ruzzia to take and equivalent bit of land and localities in the Donbas?
3b. How long in advance did Ukraine noticed that there would be a Kharkiv offensive from Ruzzia? Why Ruzzia did not notice the Kursk offensive?

I can tell you about risk to Ukraine is, if they are not able to move forward and later build defences fast enough, having to retreat in a hurry.

There seems to be quite a bit of air defence combined with surveillance and FPV drones, IFVs and some tanks have been seen so threats have been considered as they know now very well how the Ruzzian army operates.

This has been pulled out right under Ruzzia's nose, so I guess one of the risks out there is to the head of the Ruzzian military intelligence. To his head properly said.

[malaker]

It seems that the armed forces of Ukraine have slowed down the offensive, have they been stopped? What's there now?

[Easteregg69]

It seems that the armed forces of Ukraine have slowed down the offensive, have they been stopped? What's there now?

Rockets and drones and kinds of shit that blows up. You wanna stay home.

[af_newbie]

Russia: Zelensky Is A “War Criminal” And A “Legitimate Military Target” - https://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/russia-zelensky-is-a-war-criminal-and-a-legitimate-military-target


Russia’s Medvedev Says It Should “Go Further” Against Ukraine


https://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/russias-medvedev-says-it-should-go-further-against-ukraine
“From this moment, the special military operation should become openly exterritorial in nature,” Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy chair of the Russian Security Council, argued in a post on Thursday. Medvedev has long been a proponent of finishing off Ukraine in the war as a way to quickly bring it to an end and achieve Russia’s goals.

Medvedev, a Ukraine conflict hardliner, said the “terrorist operation” in Kursk Region should “remove any taboo” on declarin[/i]g publicly that the Russian forces “will only stop when we consider it acceptable and beneficial for us.”
...

Ukraine needs to push Russians behind the Ural mountains. That is where they belong.

De-Zefication and demilitarization operation is in progress, stay tuned.

The Kerch bridge is next. Slava Ukraini. Smert vorogam.

[BADecker]

Russia: Zelensky Is A “War Criminal” And A “Legitimate Military Target” - https://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/russia-zelensky-is-a-war-criminal-and-a-legitimate-military-target


Russia’s Medvedev Says It Should “Go Further” Against Ukraine


https://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/russias-medvedev-says-it-should-go-further-against-ukraine
“From this moment, the special military operation should become openly exterritorial in nature,” Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy chair of the Russian Security Council, argued in a post on Thursday. Medvedev has long been a proponent of finishing off Ukraine in the war as a way to quickly bring it to an end and achieve Russia’s goals.

Medvedev, a Ukraine conflict hardliner, said the “terrorist operation” in Kursk Region should “remove any taboo” on declarin[/i]g publicly that the Russian forces “will only stop when we consider it acceptable and beneficial for us.”
...

Ukraine needs to push Russians behind the Ural mountains. That is where they belong.

De-Zefication and demilitarization operation is in progress, stay tuned.

The Kerch bridge is next. Slava Ukraini. Smert vorogam.

You are on a good track. Russians need to head behind the Urals, into Siberia more. Siberia is full of raw materials that will make Russia wealthier than ever. The reason they don't is that they don't really have enough people to properly harvest Siberia.

Ukraine doesn't really exist. What is there is a puppet that the US needs to stop being puppet master for.

A thousand times more than Russia and Ukraine working against each other, the US needs to go back to America, and Nato needs to dissolve. Then Ukraine could be resettled by the people who have fled her, and she could become a viable nation once more.

You are almost there. Keep looking at what is going on - the attempted conquest of the world by US bankers - and you will realize that the destruction of Ukraine was a total waste.

[paxmao]

While slogans float around from the usual suspects, some interesting developments are happening in Kursk.

- Large parts of Kursk oblast are now without electricity.
- Ukraine is progressing towards the nuclear plan - capturing it would leave all the region literally "powerless". All business, all industry and electric heating... gone.
- A full convoy that was trying to support the Ruzzian troops in the region has been destroyed. This is 100% casualties - videos are all over, I do not want to post carnage without any particular reason.
- Ukraine has taken at least 8 settlements.

This seems to be getting out of control for Ruzzia very quickly and very badly. BTW, the rear of the Ukrainian forces are digging it. This is not an incursion.

This below is yesterday, exact news are being delayed for operational security.



BTW, in preparation for this, Ukraine blasted the ammunition depot of the Lipetsk airport a day ago. Gone completely.

Before:


After:

[DaRude]

On the contrary, I am absolutely OK to discuss losses, risks and benefits, but I have the feeling you are not and will come out with something else (e.g. your favourite fixations Nuland and Nordstream) or some troll farm parroting. Let's try to see if you actually have any data or you are ... just saying...

1. what do you think are the loses for Ukraine in three days?
2. How many Ruzzian PoW has Ukraine made?
3. How many km2 has Ruzzia lost in these 3 days?
4. What is the benefit for Ruzzia of Ukraine being  (some sources claim) 50km, loosing several localities including Sudzha 5000 habitants?

Let's compare:
1b. How long did it take for Ruzzia to take Avdiivka and how many loses would you say were there?
2b. How many loses would you say takes Ruzzia to take and equivalent bit of land and localities in the Donbas?
3b. How long in advance did Ukraine noticed that there would be a Kharkiv offensive from Ruzzia? Why Ruzzia did not notice the Kursk offensive?

I can tell you about risk to Ukraine is, if they are not able to move forward and later build defences fast enough, having to retreat in a hurry.

There seems to be quite a bit of air defence combined with surveillance and FPV drones, IFVs and some tanks have been seen so threats have been considered as they know now very well how the Ruzzian army operates.

This has been pulled out right under Ruzzia's nose, so I guess one of the risks out there is to the head of the Ruzzian military intelligence. To his head properly said.

1-From what i read the consensus seems to be that this attack caught Russians unprepared, Russia didn't expect such brazen frontal attack. Such "blitzkrieg" is typically to attacker advantage as long as they can sustain movement and keep outmaneuvering defenders. No clue on absolute numbers, believe i read RU side claimed 1k UA losses.
2-If we only view these past 3 days, as Ukraine advanced for the first time since the counteroffensive, and caught Russia by surprise, logically UA would take in more PoW than RU. But overall i believe RU still has overwhelmingly more UA's PoWs than UA.
3-Operations is still ongoing so it's all fluid and no one will release true numbers, but some reports claims 100s of km^2 on first 3 days, reportedly since then Russia has already liberated Martynovka. But once again it's still ongoing
4-What's the benefit for Russia loosing land   rhetorical question.

1b-Silly propaganda attempt, more specifically, false comparison, trying to equate taking a well fortified city on the frontline for years to a surprise attack across the border taking few villages.
2b-Again trying to compare attacking well fortified position to a rushed surprised attack.
3b-All of western intelligence is concentrated on Ukraine. NATO has exponentially more satellites than Russia, so naturally it's intelligence would be better. Don't think anyone would argue against that. Plus it's hard to predict such suicidal attacks.

Now, how high were UA losses protecting Avdiivka, and what are RU losses during this operation?
 
So if Ukraine will retreat in few days you'd concede that this operation was a failure?

Russia Appears to Partly Halt Ukraine’s Cross-Border Assault, Analysts Say
...
Pasi Paroinen, an analyst from the Black Bird Group, a Finland-based organization that analyzes satellite imagery and social media content from the battlefield, said in an interview on Saturday that evidence suggested that Moscow had been able to stall major advances in Russian territory late in the week.

“We’re now entering the phase where the easy gains have been made,” he said of Ukraine’s initial advance. “This phase, for the first three days, saw the most rapid movement,” he added. “And yesterday, I think, we started to see the effects of the Russian response.”

To counter the incursion, Russia’s military appears to be relying mostly on units that were already deployed near the area, according to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank. Most of those units consist of military conscripts and irregular forces, as opposed to the battle-hardened soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
...
So far, Russian forces have not let up in their frontline pushes. In recent days, they have made some inroads near the embattled eastern Ukrainian towns of Chasiv Yar, Toretsk and Pokrovsk, the Institute for the Study of War said. On Friday, the British Defense Ministry said that Russian troops in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine had gained ground, pushing to about 10 miles from Pokrovsk.
...
The new offensive has also alarmed the Russian public, and if conscripts are killed, that could bring the war home in a way that losses along the front lines have not.
...The Ukrainian authorities, perhaps preparing for retaliation, said on Friday that they were evacuating 20,000 people from the Sumy region, across the border from Kursk.

As expected, looks like Russia is tapping into it's 300k of conscripts on it's land, instead of pulling contractors from the front line. Desperate attempt to destabilize Russia from within. Should know in few days how well that worked.

Militarily, seems like UA is not only planning for a possibility of a retreat but also expecting Russia won't be satisfied with just getting it's territory back but will push further and enter Sumy.

Ukrainian volunteers evacuated dozens of residents, and their pets, from northern Sumy region in anticipation of more Russian attacks in response to Ukraine's cross-border military incursion into the Kursk region...
Sumy Governor Volodymyr Artiukh ordered 28 villages evacuated from a 10-km (six-mile) zone hugging the border. National police said on Friday that 20,000 would have to leave.

Seems that we can both agree that regardless of the outcome, this operation brings negotiations closer. Which everyone should welcome.

But these events also set yet another terrible precedent onto our world. Now countries can openly equip third country and just pay for their soldiers to invade/attack another country, while claiming not to be a party to the conflict. I'm sure a lot of good will come out of this in the future. This of course has been done many times before in our history, but never with countries openly admitting to it like now. If UN will let this slide, it would be catastrophic, would mean that they managed to completely destroy the core idea for UN.

[BADecker]

One of the major points about this war is, if one does not live right within the war zones, he will never know what happens for sure. The media is slanted and twisted, especially the standard, government semi-controlled media in America.

One can focus on any happening in the war zone, and it might look like the war is going this way or that. Until one takes the whole thing into account, he will never know the truth.

[paxmao]

On the contrary, I am absolutely OK to discuss losses, risks and benefits, but I have the feeling you are not and will come out with something else (e.g. your favourite fixations Nuland and Nordstream) or some troll farm parroting. Let's try to see if you actually have any data or you are ... just saying...

1. what do you think are the loses for Ukraine in three days?
2. How many Ruzzian PoW has Ukraine made?
3. How many km2 has Ruzzia lost in these 3 days?
4. What is the benefit for Ruzzia of Ukraine being  (some sources claim) 50km, loosing several localities including Sudzha 5000 habitants?

Let's compare:
1b. How long did it take for Ruzzia to take Avdiivka and how many loses would you say were there?
2b. How many loses would you say takes Ruzzia to take and equivalent bit of land and localities in the Donbas?
3b. How long in advance did Ukraine noticed that there would be a Kharkiv offensive from Ruzzia? Why Ruzzia did not notice the Kursk offensive?

I can tell you about risk to Ukraine is, if they are not able to move forward and later build defences fast enough, having to retreat in a hurry.

There seems to be quite a bit of air defence combined with surveillance and FPV drones, IFVs and some tanks have been seen so threats have been considered as they know now very well how the Ruzzian army operates.

This has been pulled out right under Ruzzia's nose, so I guess one of the risks out there is to the head of the Ruzzian military intelligence. To his head properly said.

1-From what i read the consensus seems to be that this attack caught Russians unprepared, Russia didn't expect such brazen frontal attack. Such "blitzkrieg" is typically to attacker advantage as long as they can sustain movement and keep outmaneuvering defenders. No clue on absolute numbers, believe i read RU side claimed 1k UA losses.
2-If we only view these past 3 days, as Ukraine advanced for the first time since the counteroffensive, and caught Russia by surprise, logically UA would take in more PoW than RU. But overall i believe RU still has overwhelmingly more UA's PoWs than UA.
3-Operations is still ongoing so it's all fluid and no one will release true numbers, but some reports claims 100s of km^2 on first 3 days, reportedly since then Russia has already liberated Martynovka. But once again it's still ongoing
4-What's the benefit for Russia loosing land   rhetorical question.

1b-Silly propaganda attempt, more specifically, false comparison, trying to equate taking a well fortified city on the frontline for years to a surprise attack across the border taking few villages.
2b-Again trying to compare attacking well fortified position to a rushed surprised attack.
3b-All of western intelligence is concentrated on Ukraine. NATO has exponentially more satellites than Russia, so naturally it's intelligence would be better. Don't think anyone would argue against that. Plus it's hard to predict such suicidal attacks.

Now, how high were UA losses protecting Avdiivka, and what are RU losses during this operation?
 
So if Ukraine will retreat in few days you'd concede that this operation was a failure?

Russia Appears to Partly Halt Ukraine’s Cross-Border Assault, Analysts Say
...
Pasi Paroinen, an analyst from the Black Bird Group, a Finland-based organization that analyzes satellite imagery and social media content from the battlefield, said in an interview on Saturday that evidence suggested that Moscow had been able to stall major advances in Russian territory late in the week.

“We’re now entering the phase where the easy gains have been made,” he said of Ukraine’s initial advance. “This phase, for the first three days, saw the most rapid movement,” he added. “And yesterday, I think, we started to see the effects of the Russian response.”

To counter the incursion, Russia’s military appears to be relying mostly on units that were already deployed near the area, according to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank. Most of those units consist of military conscripts and irregular forces, as opposed to the battle-hardened soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
...
So far, Russian forces have not let up in their frontline pushes. In recent days, they have made some inroads near the embattled eastern Ukrainian towns of Chasiv Yar, Toretsk and Pokrovsk, the Institute for the Study of War said. On Friday, the British Defense Ministry said that Russian troops in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine had gained ground, pushing to about 10 miles from Pokrovsk.
...
The new offensive has also alarmed the Russian public, and if conscripts are killed, that could bring the war home in a way that losses along the front lines have not.
...The Ukrainian authorities, perhaps preparing for retaliation, said on Friday that they were evacuating 20,000 people from the Sumy region, across the border from Kursk.

As expected, looks like Russia is tapping into it's 300k of conscripts on it's land, instead of pulling contractors from the front line. Desperate attempt to destabilize Russia from within. Should know in few days how well that worked.

Militarily, seems like UA is not only planning for a possibility of a retreat but also expecting Russia won't be satisfied with just getting it's territory back but will push further and enter Sumy.

Ukrainian volunteers evacuated dozens of residents, and their pets, from northern Sumy region in anticipation of more Russian attacks in response to Ukraine's cross-border military incursion into the Kursk region...
Sumy Governor Volodymyr Artiukh ordered 28 villages evacuated from a 10-km (six-mile) zone hugging the border. National police said on Friday that 20,000 would have to leave.

Seems that we can both agree that regardless of the outcome, this operation brings negotiations closer. Which everyone should welcome.

But these events also set yet another terrible precedent onto our world. Now countries can openly equip third country and just pay for their soldiers to invade/attack another country, while claiming not to be a party to the conflict. I'm sure a lot of good will come out of this in the future. This of course has been done many times before in our history, but never with countries openly admitting to it like now. If UN will let this slide, it would be catastrophic, would mean that they managed to completely destroy the core idea for UN.

If you have no clue on numbers, you should think twice before calling suicidal, bad strategy, etc... I think in fact you are still trying to make this look like and incursion - sorry to break this to you - it is not, there are significant forces of Ukraine involved.

I do not think Ukraine will withdraw in a few days, they have not sent just a few vehicles as of right now they are still pushing forward. Still, I would not measure success in terms of Ukraine retrating -  they can retire but the PoW conscripts are now in Ukrainian detention camps, the two Ruzzian convoys that were detected going in support are now destroyed, the reputation of Ruzzia and the Ruzzian government takes a hit... I think it is already a quite decent operation as it is now.

RE calling propaganda... well, it is not: Ukraine has taken several localities in days. Ruzzia has taken several localities in months. It is an absolutely fair comparison ... I understand that you do not like it - it is impossible to deny they obvious. This is not about "taking a well fortified position", because war does not give points for effort. Ukraine has taken plenty of land, very quickly and if Ruzzia was not ready to defend it... too bad. (well, in fact Ukraine did break the Surovikin line).

This is not a rushed attack, the preparation took at least a month. Again, if Ruzzia was looking to their own but and did not see it is Ruzzia's problem Again, there are no extra points for being inept.

[BADecker]

Russia isn't standing still for Ukraine's push into Russian lands. For the moment, Russia is only acting defensively. But soon they will be wiping out the Ukrainian terrorists.

Read between the lines.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qedq0penko

[russianmother]

Gentlemen, when will there be a referendum on the inclusion of new Kursk lands?

[kotmolodec]

Gentlemen, when will there be a referendum on the inclusion of new Kursk lands?

I'm all for it, everything is natural and correct.

[paxmao]

Gentlemen, when will there be a referendum on the inclusion of new Kursk lands?

I'm all for it, everything is natural and correct.

It could be, I mean, I am sure that you will find some people in the region originally from Ukraine that feel oppressed and mistreated by Putin, and according to Putin's own doctrine, you are free to invade a region if there are protests.

There is actually a funny video by a Ruzzian guy that is stopped and passport-checked by an Ukrainian soldier that tells him to learn the Ukrainian anthem and get ready for a referendum.

get ready to vote

Speaking of which - another convoy heading to the area got HIMARSed during the day. This is plainly ridiculous - there drove during the day and did a stop in the road ... they could as well have Telegramed their location to the Ukrainian army.

Sudzha is to all effects encircled by Ukraine and there is going to be likely a large number of PoW taken from there.

There seems to be another vector of attack in Belgorod, very small for now - who knows... may become the next Kursk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG5CGOXDsxI