War is never a happy experience, but these must be satisfying days for Ukraine’s special operations forces soldiers. After the war stagnated into a largely static conflict, their role was restricted. Now they’re off the leash.
Kursk Oblast, just across the Ukrainian border, provided near-perfect territory for the cloak-and-dagger work of Ukraine’s veteran elite units. It is a key logistical hub and base of operations for Russian military activities in eastern Ukraine, is thinly defended by a Russian army that didn’t see the sucker punch coming, and houses vital railways, supply routes, and military installations.
By targeting Kursk, Ukrainian forces aim to stretch Russian defenses, forcing the diversion of resources from the frontlines in Ukraine to protect rear areas. This strategic pressure could weaken Russian positions, creating further exploitable vulnerabilities for Ukrainian forces.
Reports indicate that the units have conducted a range of operations in Kursk, including sabotage attacks on railways, fuel depots, and communication lines, as well as ambushing military convoys and attacking installations deep within Russian territory. Attacks have included video images of special operations forces guiding attacks on Russian bridges and the ambush and capture of Russian conscripts. Another official video purportedly showed them infiltrating Russian territory ahead of the main force.
These operations are emblematic of more traditional special operations forces tactics, where small, highly trained units operate behind enemy lines to achieve strategic objectives with minimal resources.
The impact of these operations extends beyond physical damage. The unpredictability of these attacks creates a sense of insecurity among inexperienced Russian forces, draining morale and forcing them to remain on constant alert. This psychological pressure is a crucial element of the Ukrainian strategy, aimed at weakening the enemy's resolve. Captured Russian conscripts have repeatedly credited their surrender to the overwhelming surprise, speed, and violence of action they experienced at the hands of Kyiv’s elite warriors.
The current wave of operations in Kursk is a stark contrast to the situation just months ago. During the static phases of the conflict, especially in eastern Ukraine, the role of special operations forces was more constrained. Trench-based warfare, characterized by fixed positions and heavy reliance on artillery, provided few opportunities for dynamic, behind-the-lines missions. Consequently, some Ukrainian special operations units were reassigned to roles like drone warfare, which, while important, did not fully leverage their specialized training and capabilities.
The shift back to dynamic operations in Kursk reflects a broader change in the conflict as Ukrainian forces have regained momentum and the frontlines have become more fluid. This shift underscores the adaptability of Ukrainian forces, who have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adjust their tactics to the evolving nature of the war.
One key enabler of Ukrainian operations is the increased use of technology and intelligence. Real-time intelligence, likely gathered from local sources, drone surveillance, and signals intelligence, has been critical in identifying targets and planning missions. Drones are now a force multiplier for Ukrainian special operations forces ranging in the Russian rear areas, enabling them to conduct reconnaissance, assess damage, and even deliver precision strikes.
The element of surprise has also been pivotal. The unit's forces have demonstrated a high level of operational security and discipline, successfully infiltrating deep into Russian territory, executing missions, and exfiltrating without detection. As the Russian-Ukrainian border was protected mainly by second and third-rate Russian conscripts and domestic security forces, Ukrainian troopers had incredible latitude compared to conditions in Eastern Ukraine. This surprise not only maximizes the impact of their operations but also minimizes risk to the operatives involved.
This resurgence of elite unit behind-the-lines operations has broader implications for the conflict.
First, it underscores the importance of unconventional warfare in the current phase of the war. As both sides continue to adapt their strategies, this will be crucial.
Second, such operations highlight the vulnerability of Russian rear areas, even those deep within their own territory. This could force Russia to reallocate resources to protect these areas, potentially weakening their frontline positions and giving Ukrainian forces an advantage.
Finally, successful elite unit operations could have a significant psychological impact on both Russian forces and the civilian population. For Russian soldiers, the realization that they are vulnerable even within their own borders is already causing a precipitous decline in morale. Hundreds of Russian troops have readily surrendered to the advancing Ukrainians. And for the Russian public, such attacks could undermine confidence in the government’s ability to protect the country, increasing domestic pressure on the Kremlin to seek a resolution to the conflict.
Doug Livermore is the Senior Vice President for Solution Engineer at the CenCore Group and the Deputy Commander for Special Operations Detachment – Joint Special Operations Command in the North Carolina Army National Guard. In addition to his role as the Director of Engagements for the Irregular Warfare Initiative, he is the National Director of External Communications for the Special Forces Association, National Vice President for the Special Operations Association of America, Director of Development of the Corioli Institute, and serves as Chair of the Advisory Committee for No One Left Behind.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are the author’s and do not represent official US Government, Department of Defense, or Department of the Army positions.
Europe’s Edge is CEPA’s online journal covering critical topics on the foreign policy docket across Europe and North America. All opinions expressed on Europe’s Edge are those of the author alone and may not represent those of the institutions they represent or the Center for European Policy Analysis. CEPA maintains a strict intellectual independence policy across all its projects and publications.
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