The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Ukraine Invades Russia
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Aug 16, 2025 In this discussion, Anastasiia Lapatina, Lawfare's Ukraine Fellow and expert on Ukrainian politics, is joined by Eric Ciaramella from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, focusing on security and foreign policy. They delve into Ukraine's surprising military incursion into Russia, exploring strategic objectives, shifting frontlines, and the implications for U.S. policy. The conversation touches on the evolving morale among Ukrainians and Russia's chaotic response, highlighting the critical interplay of military and political narratives in the ongoing conflict.
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Operational Surprise In Kursk
- Ukraine achieved operational surprise with a cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast using regular forces and armor.
- The move aimed to change the narrative and demonstrate Ukraine's continued offensive capacity to domestic and international audiences.
Military Moves Serve Political Ends
- The tactical goal likely included drawing Russian forces away from the Donetsk front and disrupting Russian offensives.
- Political aims (narrative change, shock to Russia) may be more important than territorial gains.
Regular Forces + Media Blackout Signal Seriousness
- This incursion used regular Ukrainian military rather than small irregular units, and Ukraine enforced a strict media blackout.
- That combination signals a serious operation, not a short-lived PR stunt.