On September 25, the Center for Public Analytics "Vezha" held a discussion with military expert Ivan Stupak regarding current military and political events in Ukraine. The conversation addressed the analysis of Ukraine’s actions in the Kursk region and reactions to Valerii Zaluzhnyi’s recent article in Dzerkalo Tyzhnia.
Zaluzhnyi, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, outlined tactical and operational aspects of modern warfare in his article, acknowledging that the 2023 counteroffensive did not achieve its goals due to insufficient resources. According to Stupak, the initial operation in Kursk was successful, but Ukrainian forces later faced stiff resistance and suffered significant losses.
The public discussion between Zaluzhnyi and representatives of the President's Office, as well as comments from blogger Volodymyr Zolkin, brought attention to the political dimension of such military assessments. Stupak suggests that some statements may serve as part of a political campaign.
The interview also examined the recent attacks by Ukrainian intelligence maritime drones on oil terminals in Novorossiysk and Tuapse. The expert notes these strikes are aimed at disrupting Russian oil logistics and limiting the capabilities of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
The conversation refers to President Zelensky’s position on holding elections after the war, as well as the dynamic nature of the front line and perspectives on the role of Western partners and the United States. It touches on Donald Trump's rhetoric shift and its potential impact on US policy towards Ukraine.
Stupak underlines that the political context of current military events remains significant, and the future course depends on both domestic decisions and external influences.
