Since its surprise incursion into Russia more than a week ago, Ukraine has steadily gained ground, saying it advanced even deeper into Russian territory on Wednesday. It says it has captured hundreds of soldiers, as Russia has evacuated more than 130,000 people from nearby communities and declared a new state of emergency in one region.
And now Moscow has begun withdrawing some troops from Ukraine in an effort to repel Kyiv’s offensive into western Russia, according to U.S. and Ukrainian officials, an indication that the surprise attack is forcing Moscow to change its battle plans in Ukraine.
Taken collectively, Ukraine has deftly put Russia on the defensive, creating a new, if small, frontline in a war where Moscow has long had the upper hand. If Russia brings reinforcements in large numbers from other parts of the front, it could provide some relief to Ukrainian troops who are struggling to push back relentless Russian attacks, particularly in eastern Ukraine.
It is an edge that Ukraine appears intent on keeping, as its eyes, for now, holding the Russian territory it controls.
Best case scenario, they end up in Moscow.
More realistically, they draw troops ment for offensive operations into defending these regions. This relieves pressure for Ukraine to take back territory elsewhere. I heard they were targeting specific airbases, but I can’t confirm It’s relatively low risk, with several potentially good rewards.