U.S. officials are ‘concerned’ that the continued Kursk operation could overstretch Ukrainian forces

U.S. officials are “concerned” that the ongoing Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region might overstretch Ukrainian forces.

This information reported according to a report by NBC News, which cites sources.

“This has certainly demonstrated the creativity and combat bravery of the Ukrainians. But when it comes to their long-term goals, that’s something we’re still discussing with them,” said Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder.

The Americans are highlighting the risk that Ukraine’s supply lines could become overstretched and the challenges of holding onto captured territory.

“The problem is that it seems the Ukrainians are going to consolidate and entrench themselves. Once they do that, and their pace of advance slows, they will become a target. So, the question for them is, how long do they plan to hold out?” said Matthew Saville, Director of Military Sciences at the Royal United Services Institute.

If Ukraine attempts to hold the territory around Kursk for several months, “it will be difficult even just logistically to supply it in the face of Russian air attacks.”

Washington’s assessment indicates that Russia has not yet been able to organize an effective response to the sudden Ukrainian offensive and has moved only a “small” portion of its forces from Ukraine to the Kursk region. It remains unclear whether Russia will need to withdraw more forces to reclaim its territory.