The number of casualties among the Ukrainian Armed Forces is increasing – the capture of the Kursk nuclear power plant by Ukrainian troops is unlikely – The Economist

The capture of the Kursk nuclear power plant by Ukrainian forces is unlikely: it would require an 80-kilometer march and more forces than are currently available.

This is reported by The Economist, citing a source in the Ukrainian General Staff.

“A source in the Ukrainian General Staff suggests that this is unlikely, as it would require an 80-kilometer march from the border and larger forces (in fact, the distance to the nuclear power plant from the border is about 60 kilometers – Editor). ‘Without properly organized forces, we would repeat the mistakes the Russians made north of Kyiv in 2022. We cut their lines, and they became easy prey,’ he explained.

In his opinion, a more realistic goal is to create a ‘buffer zone’ on the Russian border territory, which would help in negotiations.

The publication also writes that “immediate attention” is being paid to the Sudzha gas pumping station, the only working entry point for Russian gas on the Progress pipeline to Europe.

“But it is unclear what control over this station might bring to Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Russia are interested in its continuous and uninterrupted operation, given the transportation fees paid to Ukraine and the financial difficulties of Russia’s Gazprom, which is struggling under the weight of sanctions,” The Economist notes.

The publication states that the ultimate goals of the Ukrainian command are still unclear. But “with such high stakes, General Syrsky’s career could well be on the line.”

“Reports from Ukrainian frontline hospitals indicate that the number of casualties is already rising. People may still question whether it was wise to allocate so many troops for an incursion when critical front lines are thin. The answer will depend on the success of the operation,” the article concludes.