Ukraine War and its Domestic and International Repercussions:Kursk Incursion and its Consequences: Ukraine's brief but significant incursion into Russia's Kursk region in August 2024 is now facing intense scrutiny within Ukraine following the Russian recapture of much of the territory. The operation, intended to pressure Moscow, divert Russian forces, and prevent cross-border attacks, is being questioned for its cost in lives and strategic value.Mariia Pankova, whose friend fought in Kursk and is now missing, expressed doubt: "I'm just not sure it was worth it," and "We're not invaders. We just need our territories back, we do not need the Russian one."The Ukrainian General Staff maintains the operation "achieved most of its goals," including diverting Russian forces and causing Russia to create new military groupings. They also claim nearly 1,000 Russian soldiers were taken prisoner.However, Ukrainian soldier Oleksii Deshevyi, who lost a hand in the fighting, stated: "We should not have started this operation at all."Logistical challenges and insufficient troop numbers hindered Ukraine's ability to hold the captured territory. Serhiy Rakhmanin, a Ukrainian lawmaker, noted: "From the very beginning, logistics was seriously complicated because as we entered the Kursk region, we ensured sufficient depth but we did not ensure sufficient width."Russia reinforced its positions with elite units, drone forces, and reportedly North Korean forces, leading to the Ukrainian retreat from key areas like Sudzha. Rakhmanin observed: "They not only increased the number of their group opposing our military, but they also improved its quality."The retaking of Kursk by Russia has removed a potential bargaining chip for Ukraine as US President Donald Trump undertakes talks to end the war.Despite the setbacks in Kursk, Ukraine's General Staff states its goals still include “control over the territory of the Russian Federation, exhaustion of the enemy, destruction of its personnel and pulling back its reserves.”Former head of Ukraine's General Staff, Viktor Muzhenko, had criticized the operation early on as a "risky gamble," suggesting a focus on defending key territories.Conversely, Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksander Syrskyi, argued the operation "diverted and killed some of Russia's best troops" and provided a morale boost.The conflict continues to inflict immense suffering on Ukrainian children, with the UN reporting "unimaginable suffering" and violations of their rights. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Putin and his children's rights commissioner regarding the abduction of Ukrainian children.Russian Response to Ukrainian Attacks: Russia has warned of a "symmetrical response" to Ukrainian attacks on its energy facilities.

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