**Ukrainian Troops Advance in Kursk, But Face Tough Russian Resistance**
In a bold move, Ukrainian fighter jets have been destroying buildings and bridges in western Russia’s Kursk Oblast, clearing the way for their troops to advance into the town of Tyotkino. This development comes just 1.6 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.
The destruction of two bridges outside Zvannoe, a town 19 kilometers northeast of Tyotkino, was a prelude to the Ukrainian advance. On May 13 and 14, Ukrainian air force jets dropped precision glide bombs on the bridges from potentially tens of kilometers away. One of the bridges had been damaged in a previous raid, and Russian troops attempting to retrieve equipment were caught in the follow-up attack.
**Aerial Bombardment Clears Path for Ukrainian Troops**
A battle-damage assessment by Ukrainian drones confirmed the destruction of a temporary pontoon bridge and at least one truck. This bombardment appears to have successfully throttled Russian logistics into Tyotkino, allowing Ukrainian troops to advance into the southern outskirts of the town.
According to the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies, Ukrainian troops – possibly from the 225th Assault Regiment or the 21st Mechanized Brigade – advanced into the southern edge of Tyotkino on or before Tuesday. However, it’s worth noting that this is not the first time Ukrainian forces have attacked Tyotkino; they have rarely stayed long.
**Russian Forces Respond with Counterattack**
Russian troops are already attempting to cut off the Ukrainian advance, slipping through the aerial cordon and making gains towards the border control point just 1.6 kilometers south of Tyotkino. This development puts the Ukrainians in a precarious position, as they must avoid getting invested in an exposed salient with fragile supply lines.
The situation is reminiscent of the Kursk incursion last year, where Ukrainian forces held onto a 600-square-kilometer salient around the town of Sudzha for six months before retreating. That battle was a drain on Ukraine’s combat power, with a one-for-one loss ratio that the country cannot afford.
**Commentary**
This development highlights the cat-and-mouse game between Ukrainian and Russian forces in Kursk Oblast. The aerial bombardment by Ukrainian jets has successfully cleared a path for their troops to advance into Tyotkino, but the presence of Russian forces just 1.6 kilometers away poses a significant threat.
The Ukrainians must be cautious not to get invested in an exposed salient with fragile supply lines. Their situation is tenuous, but not yet disastrous. However, if they attempt to capture Tyotkino and hold it, the consequences could be severe.
**Analysis**
This development has significant implications for the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian advance into Kursk Oblast marks a bold move by Kyiv’s military leadership, who are seeking to gain strategic advantage on the battlefield.
However, the presence of Russian forces in the area poses a significant threat to the Ukrainians. If they fail to capture Tyotkino and hold it, the consequences could be severe for Ukraine’s combat power and its ability to continue resisting Russian aggression.
**Conclusion**
The situation in Kursk Oblast remains fluid and uncertain. The Ukrainians must carefully weigh their options and consider the risks of attempting to capture Tyotkino and hold it. If they fail to succeed, the consequences could be severe for Ukraine’s military capabilities and its ability to continue resisting Russian aggression.
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