Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Israel-Hamas
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
  • Research
    • Briefs
    • Explainers
    • Reports
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Ukraine-Russia / Ukraine’s Kursk offensive is a huge strategic error
Ukraine‑Russia, Russia, Ukraine

August 18, 2024

Ukraine’s Kursk offensive is a huge strategic error

By Andrew Latham

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proven himself a master of the political stage, a gifted orator capable of stirring emotions and garnering global support. However, his recent military incursion into Russia marks a departure from the realm of diplomacy and into the territory of strategic blunder.

This reckless gambit, more akin to a desperate stunt worthy of a second-rate actor than a seasoned statesman, diverts critical resources from the primary battlefield while offering negligible strategic gain.

While the incursion has captured headlines and inflicted some measure of psychological damage on Russia, such superficial victories do little to alter the fundamental dynamics of the conflict. Russia, despite its setbacks, remains a formidable military power with a vast arsenal and a nuclear deterrent. Ukraine, while demonstrating courage and resilience, faces a daunting challenge in overcoming this overwhelming disparity.

More critically, this diversion of forces from the main theater of war is a huge strategic miscalculation. Every soldier, tank and piece of artillery deployed in the Russian incursion represents a loss to the Ukrainian effort to liberate occupied territories. These resources, if concentrated on the front lines, could potentially yield tangible gains, weakening Russian defenses and creating opportunities for decisive breakthroughs.

Read at The Hill

Author

Photo of Andrew Latham

Andrew
Latham

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities

More on Eurasia

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, NATO, Russia, Ukraine

No cause for alarm: The case for a measured response to Russian air incursions

By Jennifer Kavanagh

October 20, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

U.S. Tomahawk refusal protects Ukraine from false hope

By Jennifer Kavanagh

October 19, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Putin was never going to bend to Trump so easily

By Daniel DePetris

October 16, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, NATO, Russia, Ukraine

President Donald Trump’s Ukraine pivot is an opportunity for Europe to step up

By Christopher McCallion

October 16, 2025

Ukraine‑Russia, Air power, Military analysis

After strong-arming a ceasefire in Gaza, Trump tries to do it again in Ukraine

By Jennifer Kavanagh

October 16, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis

Yes, Trump can end the Russia–Ukraine war

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

October 14, 2025

Events on Ukraine-Russia

See All Events
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Air power, Diplomacy, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis, Russia, Ukraine

Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

April 16, 2025
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

December 13, 2024
virtualNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

A ‘bridge’ to NATO or false hope for Ukraine?

July 12, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved