Ukrainian forces currently advancing deeper into Russia’s Kursk Oblast are unlikely to try and capture the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, a source
in Ukraine’s General Staff told The Economist on Aug. 8.
Some of Russian war correspondents previously voiced concern that Ukraine’s cross-border incursion may aim to seize the Kursk NPP, mirroring Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhya NPP in early 2022.
But the Ukrainian source suggested that would necessitate a dangerous overextension by the Ukrainian forces—a critical error Russian troops made during their mad dash toward Kyiv in February-March 2022. Reaching the Kursk NPP would mean Ukraine has to penetrate 80 kilometers deep into Russian territory, committing a vast number of troops and armor.
“Without properly organized forces, one could repeat the mistake the Russians made north of Kyiv in 2022,” the source said.
“We cut off their [supply] lines, and they became easy prey.”