Ukraine may withdraw from the Kursk region without securing an advantage in negotiations with Russia, – Bloomberg

Ukraine may withdraw from the Kursk region in a few months without securing a negotiating advantage.

This possibility was reported by Bloomberg, citing Western officials.

Such an outcome could occur if Moscow decides to launch a large-scale counteroffensive. However, Russia has not yet transferred a significant number of troops from eastern Ukraine to the Kursk region, according to diplomats from Western countries. This contrasts with a recent statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who claimed that Russia had deployed 60,000 troops there, a figure disputed by both Western and Russian sources. Additionally, Ukraine has not been heavily fortifying the territories it has captured.

According to Seth G. Jones, an expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, there is no evidence that Ukrainian forces are digging trenches, laying mines, or installing “dragon’s teeth” defenses.

“They are not really preparing for large-scale, long-term defense,” Jones said.

He believes this could be part of Kyiv’s calculation to either retreat quickly if necessary or launch a new attack.

At present, American and European officials remain uncertain about Ukraine’s “endgame” in the Kursk region. They believe the “cost of the operation in Kursk could be high,” and Kyiv might not be able to hold its positions in the region long enough to gain leverage in negotiations.

Earlier, the French newspaper Le Monde reported that Ukraine’s offensive in the Kursk region did not achieve the desired results. Zelensky has also reportedly told American journalists about plans to hold territories in the Kursk region indefinitely.