Reporting From Ukraine:
https://www.youtube.com/@RFU/videosAn abridged transcript.
[ Russians Make a Massive Strategic Miscalculation! ]
Today [ Mar 12, 8 pm ], there are important updates from the Kursk direction. Here, the Ukrainian forces started to shorten the frontline in the salient with a controlled withdrawal, while the Russians continued their multi-vector offensive. It is important to reiterate that the Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region was never about holding territory indefinitely, but a calculated move with clear strategic objectives, designed to serve two primary purposes: first, to force the Russians to redeploy critical reserves away from the Donbas front in the east, preventing them from making rapid gains there; and second, to potentially gain leverage in future negotiations by controlling Russian territory.
The secondary goal, holding Russian territory as leverage in potential negotiations, was ultimately being diminished due to shifting political dynamics. While controlling parts of Kursk oblast would have pressured Russia in any peace talks, shifting US foreign policy and the cutting of intelligence sharing with Ukraine, fundamentally altered the equation. While the diplomatic goal has become less relevant in the face of these changes, the first, of diverting forces away from Russian offensives in eastern Ukraine, has been a resounding success. Given these challenges, a strategic withdrawal to more defensible positions became the logical course of action, and the Ukrainian forces began a deliberate and controlled withdrawal from some positions, recognizing the risks of holding an increasingly vulnerable salient. Interestingly, the timing of this withdrawal correlates closely with the suspension of US intelligence sharing - something Russia quickly moved to exploit.
Overall, Ukraine's strategic position has improved significantly, since the start of the Kursk incursion. The operation forced Russia to divert critical reserves away from its theater-wide offensive effort, haling and reversing several key advances in the Donbas. While holding Russian territory as leverage proved unfeasible, the primary goal stabilizing the eastern front was successfully achieved. With Russia gaining localized advantages in Kursk, Ukraine's withdrawal is a tactical adjustment allowing forces to regroup and fight under more favorable conditions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdEs_1OdCFg
