The Ukrainian foray into the Kursk region of Russia is a brave move, pulling off this surprise attack was one of the great strategic moves of the war. This offensive is also one of the great tactical moves of the war for Ukraine. This is a bold move, this is a shock attack and I am suitably impressed.

Ukraine was getting pushed back in the Donbas region, they were slowly losing ground and losing limited resources. I was so surprised when I woke one morning to see Facebook messages from my brother who is a couple of hours ahead in Sydney, he informed me of the bold offensive and we attempted to work out what Russia was doing. I was listening to Professor Michael Clarke on Sky News UK along with segments from Sean Bell.

So what we know is Ukraine has put battle hardened troops into this offensive, they have ensured they are well resourced and equipped. What we saw was Ukraine pushing hard and fast, they gained a fair amount of ground in the early stages. I was speculating if they would make a lightning raid and then withdraw, a few weeks in and this does not seem to be the case, they look like they are planning to hold and occupy the land.

Ukrainian forces pushed hard and fast, whilst they may have extended their supply lines, they have not exceeded logistics. This has put a natural brake on their advance, they could have been wiped out in a counter-attack with failed logistics. We only have to look at the failed Russian offensive to take Kiev in three days, this was a tactical defeat and strategic disaster. So whilst there might not be the thunder runs the Ukrainian troops employed to over-run the Russian forces early in the war, we might see something special soon.