Has Zelensky Walked Into Putin’s Trap?
Some Russian state media outlets have suggested that the Kursk incursion was a “trap” for Volodymr Zelensky in which Vladimir Putin will ultimately prevail, as speculation mounts over Ukraine’s objectives and end game for the daring operation.
Kremlin propagandists have tried to make sense of how Ukraine entered Russia so easily, such as RIA Novosti whose op-ed one week on from the launch of Kyiv’s operation said Russian forces were “taking control of the situation.” The day before, pro-Kremlin outlet Tsargrad wrote how Ukrainian brigades “fell into a trap” and faced heavy losses.
But this spinning of the narrative is at odds with accounts, including from Russian military bloggers, of Ukrainian gains, while Zelensky said on Thursday his troops had captured the town of Sudzha.
It is unsurprising that both sides would try to present their operations in the best possible light, but while there is no evidence that Ukrainian forces have fallen into a trap, what Kyiv does next and whether Putin might benefit in the longer term is uncertain.
Instead of being in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region trying to strengthen its existing line and hold as much territory as it can, Kyiv’s best units are now in a place which may be vulnerable to an effective Moscow counter attack.
“There is a risk of overextending, and there is a risk that precious personnel and resources may be lost and that Putin may use this as a pretext for further escalation,” said Michael A. Witt, professor of international business and strategy at King’s Business School, London.