Kyiv: In a rare boost for Ukraine's morale, a recent incursion into Russia's Kursk region has offered a glimmer of hope after a challenging year. For Kyiv resident Olha Pavlovska, who meets with her neighbors weekly to discuss the ongoing conflict, the August 6th attack represents a significant and uplifting development.

Pavlovska, 51, expressed her optimism, saying, "This was a very brave and important step... for keeping up morale in society," while standing outside St. Michael's Cathedral in central Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials have described the incursion as the most significant attack on Russian soil since World War II, showcasing Ukraine's ability to succeed in offensive operations and achieve unexpected victories. The operation has led to the capture of Russian territory and soldiers, providing a much-needed morale boost to the Ukrainian military, which has struggled to make notable gains since late 2022.

The previous year's counteroffensive had not succeeded in regaining significant territory, and Russian forces have continued their advance in the eastern regions, straining Ukrainian resources. This has led to growing pessimism about the war's outcome, with a recent survey indicating that 32% of Ukrainians now support territorial concessions to end the conflict, up from 10% a year ago.

Recently, the mood has brightened, with Ukrainian social media abuzz with memes making light of Russia's setbacks. Ukrainian troops returning from their missions inside Russia were seen in high spirits near the border last week.

Roman Kostenko, a lawmaker and security service officer involved in the operation, called it "a victory we have not had for a long time," highlighting its success both internationally and domestically. "It is a success in many aspects – we seized the initiative," Kostenko told Ukrainian radio, although he acknowledged that the troops are still facing resistance and casualties.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has portrayed the attack as a pivotal moment, asserting that Kremlin threats of retaliation were mere bluffs. He has urged Ukraine's allies to ease restrictions on using foreign-supplied weapons. "The world sees that everything in this war depends only on courage – our courage, the courage of our partners," Zelenskiy said.

Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian forces have advanced 28-35 kilometers (17 to 22 miles) in Kursk while Moscow has redeployed troops to bolster its defenses. Ukraine has targeted at least two crucial bridges in the region, complicating Russian efforts to counter the incursion.

Oleksandr Viktorovych, a financial analyst with a brother serving in eastern Ukraine, believes the operation could turn the tide in Ukraine’s favor, though he acknowledges the inevitable losses associated with any offensive action.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the boost in morale, not everyone is convinced of the strategic value of the Kursk operation. Yaroslav Mandel, a war veteran who joined the fight against Russian forces in 2014, views the incursion as a risky move that could weaken defenses on the eastern front. "What they've done is a show," Mandel commented.

Russian forces are intensifying their assault on Pokrovsk, a crucial eastern transit hub, with up to 600 people fleeing daily as Russian troops approach. The city of Toretsk is also under pressure, with its fall potentially bringing Russian forces closer to another critical city and supply route for Ukrainian troops in the Donbas region. Moscow has claimed to have captured two nearby towns this week.

"The strategy must be to defend our country over there, in the Donbas," Mandel emphasized. "That's the first priority."