Russian advance in Kursk Oblast slows but possible offensives in Sumy and Chernihiv remain — ISW
Russian forces continue fighting Ukraine’s Defense Forces near Sudzha, but their advance toward the border in Russia’s Kursk Oblast has slowed, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on March 13.
Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 12 that he ordered troops to withdraw from some unspecified positions in Kursk Oblast to more advantageous defensive positions to preserve lives.
Meanwhile, Major General Apti Alaudinov, commander of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s Akhmat special forces, claimed Russian troops had "captured and cleared" Sudzha and were advancing along the Ukrainian-Russian border.
Russian military sources made similar claims, alleging Russian forces had taken Podil, Honcharivka, Zaoleshenka, Rubanshchyna, and Melovyi while advancing toward Oleshnya.
They also reported Ukrainian troops were holding positions in Oleshnya, Gogolivka, Huyevo, and Hornal.
One Russian source said Ukrainian HIMARS strikes were slowing Russian advances south of Sudzha.
Others suggested Russia could soon launch an offensive in Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts, citing Vladimir Putin’s statements on March 12.
A Russian military analyst claimed an offensive in Sumy would "strengthen" Russia’s position in peace talks.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Putin may believe Russian forces can push deeper into northern Ukraine after recent advances in Kursk Oblast, despite failing to make progress in northern Kharkiv over the past 10 months.
Citing geolocated footage from March 12, ISW reported minor Russian advances in northern Sumy, northwest of Basivka, while Russian sources said Ukrainian forces were counterattacking near Zhuravka, Basivka, and Novenke.
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