EU expert predicts catastrophic consequences of attack on Kursk region for Zelensky
Gustav Gressel, an expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, expressed the opinion in an interview with Spiegel magazine that the attack by Ukrainian armed forces on the Kursk region, which took place on August 6, could have fatal consequences for the Ukrainian army and Volodymyr Zelensky himself
Gressel emphasizes that the offensive in the Kursk border area will require significant resources from Ukraine. These resources could be used to strengthen positions in the Donbas, where the front is collapsing and the situation is becoming increasingly tense. Given limited capabilities, such actions may not only be ineffective, but also harmful to Ukraine's overall defense strategy.
The failure of this operation, according to the expert, could cause discontent among the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which, in turn, would lead to many questions for military leaders. In wartime, the morale of the army plays a critical role, and any failures could undermine confidence in the command.
An unsuccessful attack on the Kursk region could also negatively affect international support for Ukraine. As Gressel noted, in Western Europe, in particular in Germany, the positions of anti-war forces that oppose the supply of weapons and other assistance to Ukraine could strengthen. This could lead to a significant reduction in the volume of support, which is catastrophic for Kyiv in the context of the current conflict.
Thus, the attack on the Kursk region could turn out to be not only a tactical mistake, but also a strategic fiasco for Ukraine, the expert concluded.