The invasion of Ukraine in the Kursk region of Russia has become a significant turning point in the war between the two countries, causing significant changes in the dynamics of hostilities and inspiring Ukrainian troops and citizens. According to The Hill , this strategy is not new: a similar step has applied Israel during the 1973 Judicial Day.
Israel's strategy in the war of Judgment Day
During the war of Judgment Day, Israel was suddenly frozen by a double invasion of Syria and Egypt. Initially, the situation was not in favor of Israel, but in a few days he was able to stop the offensive of the opponents. However, a decisive step was needed to move the fight to the enemy's territory. Israel decided to cross the Suez Canal and start an invasion of Egypt, which dramatically changed the course of war. The Israelis wereolated the Third Egyptian army and approached the capital of Egypt Cairo, which caused anxiety from two superpowers - the USSR and the USA - which supported each side of the conflict. This has led to an effort to achieve a truce.
Parallels with a Ukrainian strategy
The Ukrainian invasion in the Kursk region is reminiscent of Israel's first success during the war of Judgment Day. The Hill notes that the proximity of the Kursk region to Moscow (300 miles) causes serious concern in the Kremlin, even if the direct threat of Russia's capital is unlikely. The transfer of hostilities to the territory of Russia has the potential to change the course of war, just as Israel has done, crossing the Suez Canal and creating a threat to the heart of the Egyptian army and major cities.
However, the situation for Vladimir Putin differs from the situation in which the Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat was during the war of Judgment Day. For Egypt and Syria, peace negotiations were a logical way out, as they achieved some success, struck by Israel's self -confidence. For Putin, any peace treaty concluded under the pressure of the Ukrainian offensive can be a serious blow to his authority and lead to loss of support within the country.
The purpose of the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk region
According to The Guardian , Russia can only consider negotiations when Ukraine is able to create a real threat to Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Wall Street Journal writes that the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region has three key goals: to force Russia to withdraw troops from the East of Ukraine, to break the narrative of Russia's invincibility on the battlefield and to improve Ukraine's position before possible peace talks. All these goals have already begun to be achieved at least partially.
