Despite Heavy Losses, Ukraine Sets up Command Centre Inside Russian Border

Ukraine has set up a command post inside Russia to consolidate its captured territories and plan further incursions inside the Kursk region despite enduring heavy losses of manpower and equipment.

A top Ukrainian commander has given the strongest sign yet that Ukrainian forces plan to dig in following their lightning incursion into Russia. Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said Kyiv had set up a military commandant's office in the occupied part of Russia's Kursk region, where he said his forces were still advancing.

"We are moving forward in Kursk region. A military commandant's office has been created which must ensure order and also all the needs of the local population," Col Gen Syrskyi said on his Telegram channel. He added that the office would be headed by Major General Eduard Moskalyov.

 Ukraine exploited a weakness in Russia’s electronic warfare coverage

The surge into Russian territory appeared to catch Moscow by surprise. It is believed that Ukraine exploited a weakness in Russia's electronic warfare coverage along this section of the border, deploying interceptor drones to knock out Russian reconnaissance capabilities and using short-range jammers to cover the attack.

More Firepower coming

The U.K. may consider use of the Storm Shadow missile inside Russia by Ukrainian forces, the U.K. MoD said adding that it is discussing the issue with its allies.

Despite the use of largely Western-made tanks and armored vehicles, Russia has not protested much against Ukraine’s invasion of the Kursk region with “NATO” arms and equipment which may have emboldened Ukraine to demand the use of air-to-ground weapons to rapidly gain ground inside Russia.

 However, Ukrainian losses have been heavy.

"Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses have amounted to up to 2,860 Ukrainian troops, 41 tanks, 40 armoured personnel carriers, 23 infantry fighting vehicles, 213 armoured fighting vehicles, 102 motor vehicles, four SAM systems, six MLRS launchers, including three HIMARS MLRS, two transport-loading vehicles, 22 field artillery guns, and three electronic warfare stations," the Russian MoD reported.