Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
In a dramatic turn of events in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian paratroopers may have successfully encircled a group of Russian soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The report, originating from Russian propagandist Yuriy Podolyak, has sparked significant discussion on social media, suggesting a potentially critical moment in the two-week-old Ukrainian invasion of the region.
Podolyak, known for his strong pro-Russian stance, surprised many by acknowledging the recent setbacks faced by Russian forces in Kursk. He described the situation along the front lines as “not in our favor,” noting that Ukrainian forces have been making substantial gains in the area.
According to Podolyak, elements of the Ukrainian 95th Air Assault Brigade are currently engaged in efforts to take control of Malya Loknya, a village located eight miles north of the strategic town of Sudzha. This town has become a focal point of Ukraine’s invasion efforts in the Kursk region.
The Ukrainian assault has reportedly cut off Russian positions between Malya Loknya and Russkiy Porechny, effectively isolating units of the Russian 18th Motor Rifle Division. If confirmed, this would represent a significant tactical achievement for the Ukrainian forces.
There is some evidence to support Podolyak’s claims. A Ukrainian drone recently captured footage of a German-made Marder fighting vehicle, operated by the 95th Air Assault Brigade, engaging Russian positions in Malya Loknya. The Ukrainian air assault forces have reported inflicting “significant losses in manpower, equipment, and other material resources” on the Russian troops in the area.
However, despite these developments, it remains uncertain whether the Russian 18th Motor Rifle Division is indeed fully surrounded. Battlefield encirclements, often referred to as “cauldrons” by both Russian and Ukrainian military personnel, are notoriously difficult to execute and sustain. The attacking force must break through enemy lines and quickly close the encirclement, a challenge that has proven difficult for both sides throughout the conflict.
Historically, true encirclements have been relatively rare in the ongoing 29-month war between Russia and Ukraine. There have been numerous instances where surrounded troops have managed to escape before their positions were overrun. For example, in July, two battalions from the Ukrainian 31st Mechanized Brigade were briefly surrounded near Prohres in eastern Ukraine but fought their way out with coordinated support from artillery and reconnaissance units.
As the situation in Malya Loknya continues to unfold, it remains unclear how the encirclement, if confirmed, will be resolved. Podolyak expressed doubts that the outcome would be clear before Wednesday, describing the ongoing battle as “very tough” and noting the heavy involvement of Russian aviation, artillery, and UAVs.
The potential encirclement of Russian troops in Kursk, if fully realized, could mark a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict, underscoring the evolving nature of the war and the continuing resilience of Ukrainian forces in their struggle against Russian aggression. The coming days are likely to reveal more about the strategic implications of this development and its impact on the broader conflict.
Marder BMP firing during the assault on the settlement of Mala Loknya, Suzhan district, Kursk region.https://t.co/SOP6aysw8Z
51.328121, 35.234963@GeoConfirmed @UAControlMap pic.twitter.com/g1Pky96krT— atomic funk (@AF_LABS1) August 20, 2024