A new development out of Russia last night may spell the beginning of the end for the recent Ukrainian diversionary incursion into Russian territory. After seemingly taking the Russians by surprise by invading the farmlands of the Kursk Oblast, Vlodymir Zelinski began hyping the idea that he could force Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table by threatening him on his home turf. He followed that up with a surprisingly effective drone and missile strike on the outskirts of Moscow. These moves no doubt bouyed the hopes of many of Ukraine’s citizens. But yesterday, the Empire Struck Back, to borrow a phrase from Hollywood. Russia marched into the Kursk region in force and rapidly retook ten settlements in the region, sending the Ukrainian forces scattering back closer to their own border. So is this the end of the vaunted counteroffensive? (CNBC)
Russia said it has launched a major…
