**Ukrainian Forces Make Gains in Southern Russia**
In a significant development on the battlefield, Ukrainian forces have reportedly made advances into southern Tetkino, a settlement in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), geolocated footage from May 6 shows Russian forces carrying out an airstrike on a building in the area, suggesting that Ukrainian troops may have taken positions there.
This news comes as a surprise to many, given Russian claims just weeks ago that they had completely “liberated” Kursk Oblast from Ukrainian control. However, Ukraine has consistently maintained small parts of the oblast and conducted incursions into nearby Belgorod Oblast. The latest advances into Tetkino demonstrate the ongoing complexity of this conflict.
**Clashes in Tetkino**
Russian milbloggers claim that Ukrainian units have seized up to two streets in southern Tetkino, with some sources asserting that elements of Russia’s 56th Airborne Regiment forced the Ukrainians out. However, other milbloggers report that Ukrainian forces are still present in the settlement as of May 7.
Meanwhile, reports from Russian sources indicate that Ukrainian troops used mine-clearing equipment to breach defensive lines and launch mechanized assaults on nearby Novyi Put, located east of Tetkino along the international border. While some claim that Ukrainian forces have taken control of Novyi Put, others suggest that the assault was unsuccessful.
**Implications**
The developments in Kursk Oblast have significant implications for both sides. If true, these advances demonstrate Ukraine’s continued resilience and ability to launch successful counterattacks against Russian forces. For Russia, this news may be seen as a setback, given their previous claims of complete control over the oblast.
The involvement of Russian airborne units, such as the 56th Airborne Regiment and the 98th VDV Division, in these clashes highlights the complexities of the conflict on the ground. These elite units are often used for high-stakes missions, suggesting that both sides are committed to a protracted and intense fight.
**Commentary**
As Ukraine continues to push forward into Russian territory, it is clear that this conflict will not be resolved quickly or easily. The ongoing clashes in Kursk Oblast demonstrate the resilience of Ukrainian forces and their determination to challenge Russian control.
As we continue to monitor developments on the ground, one thing is certain: the situation in Kursk Oblast will remain complex and fluid for the foreseeable future.
