Mark MacKinnon, a Senior International Correspondent covering the war in Ukraine, shares gripping insights from the frontlines. He discusses the recent Ukrainian offensive into Russia's Kursk region and its ripple effects, including heightened Russian attacks on civilians. MacKinnon paints a stark picture of life in the war-torn Sumi area, revealing the resilience of residents. He also delves into the evolving dynamics of Western military support and the complex realities faced by captured Russian soldiers in Ukrainian custody.
The Ukrainian military's incursion into Kursk is perceived as a success, boosting morale while revealing Russia's military vulnerabilities.
Residents in the Sumi region face dire circumstances from ongoing attacks, with many displaced and living in fear due to escalating violence.
Deep dives
The Safety of Sumi and Rising Tensions
The Sumi region, once a refuge for those fleeing conflict, has become increasingly perilous due to regular airstrikes and military actions. Foreigners and journalists have stopped staying in the area, fearing for their safety, particularly at night. As a result, a main receiving center for displaced individuals has shifted its operations, now housing families who can no longer remain in their homes due to the threat of violence. The situation underscores the grim reality faced by residents who have lived through a surge of conflict, yet have relocated to escape immediate dangers while the frequency of attacks lingers.
Strategic Military Incursion into Kursk
The Ukrainian military's recent incursion into the Russian region of Kursk marked a significant moment, showcasing a change in the narrative around the war's battles. Ukrainian leadership aimed to demonstrate that Russia's military presence is not as formidable as perceived, which served to boost morale within Ukraine. The operation also facilitated the potential for prisoner exchanges by taking Russian soldiers captive, providing Ukraine leverage in negotiations for their own citizens held in Russia. In addition to these benefits, the operation has been viewed as a rare success for Ukrainian forces despite ongoing retaliation from Russia in the Sumi region.
The Dire Situation in Donbass
The Donbass region continues to experience intense conflict, with Russian forces capturing territory despite a lack of substantial advances for several months. While some Ukrainians remain in cities like Pokhrosk, risking their lives to fend off attacks, the evacuation of vulnerable populations is becoming increasingly mandatory. Many refuse to leave due to historical ties or the inability to imagine life elsewhere, leading to tragic stories of survival amidst chaos. The strategic significance of Donbass cannot be understated, as its capture could jeopardize critical logistics and supply routes for Ukrainian forces, heightening the urgency and stakes of the ongoing conflict.
It’s been just over a month since the Ukrainian military launched an incursion into the Russian region of Kursk. It was a surprising move, and Ukrainian officials say it was a success. But it has meant a barrage of Russian attacks against Ukrainian cities, especially ones along the frontlines.
The Globe’s Senior International Correspondent Mark MacKinnon has spent the last two weeks near the frontlines of the war – in Sumy, just across the border from Kursk, and in the battle-worn Donbas. He tells us what it’s like for residents of these regions and whether the incursion was worth the risk to the other frontlines of the war.