Ukraine Strikes Kursk with US Bombs, Recaptures Land in Kharkiv

Ukraine's military has utilised high-precision U.S. glide bombs to target Russia's Kursk region and reclaimed some territory in Kharkiv, which has faced a Russian offensive since spring. Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleschuk, Ukraine's Air Force Commander, released a video on Thursday night showing a Russian platoon base being struck in Kursk. The attack, using U.S.-supplied GBU-39 bombs, resulted in Russian casualties and equipment destruction.

Ukrainian forces launched a surprise cross-border incursion into Kursk on August 6. The video displayed multiple explosions and smoke plumes at the site. Despite opposition from many of Ukraine's backers regarding the use of donated weapons for offensive purposes, Ukraine maintains that its actions in Kursk are defensive, aimed at reducing attacks on Ukrainian soil from that region.

U.S. Support and Military Aid

U.S. officials have expressed support for Ukraine's use of shorter-range weapons like glide bombs in cross-border attacks. President Joe Biden announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including air defence missiles, counter-drone equipment, anti-armour missiles, and mobile rocket systems. Biden stated ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day that he spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "express America's unwavering support for the people of Ukraine."

White House national security spokesman John Kirby confirmed that U.S. officials have been in near-daily contact with Ukrainian counterparts and have not changed guidance on using U.S. weapons in the Kursk offensive. Kirby stated, "They are allowed to use U.S.-provided material to defend themselves against Russian aggression." He added that it is unclear how successful Ukraine's operation in Kursk will be long-term.

Drone Attacks and Battlefield Gains

Ukraine has intensified drone attacks against military and fuel targets in Russia this week, causing significant damage and injuries. A Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian air base in the Volgograd region damaged an airfield housing glide bombs used by Moscow in the war. Additionally, an attack on a cargo ferry at the port of Kavkaz in Russia's Krasnodar region injured 13 people.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade reported advancing nearly two square kilometers in the Kharkiv region. Although details about the timing, scale, and area of the offensive remain undisclosed, these gains have reshaped the battlefield and boosted Ukrainian morale.

Impact on Diplomatic Efforts

Ukraine's recent gains have bolstered its position on the diplomatic front. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kyiv on Friday was closely watched, with hopes that Modi could mediate peace due to his cordial ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, the incursion into Russia has stretched Ukrainian forces thin, potentially compromising their ability to hold back Russian advances in the Donetsk region. The Russian Defence Ministry reported turning back Ukrainian attempts to advance on villages in the Kursk region and taking out a reconnaissance group near Kamyshevka.

Brigade Commander Andrii Biletskyi stated that Ukrainian soldiers took control of an area held by a Russian battalion and some strongholds. He noted that they attacked Russian troops with superior numbers "and won," despite a 2.5:1 ratio favouring Moscow's forces.

Ukraine's recent momentum could strengthen its hand diplomatically as it continues to navigate the complex battlefield dynamics and international relations shaped by ongoing conflict with Russia.