Frontline report: Russian forces trapped twice in Kursk as rescue mission backfires

28 September. Today, Russia’s Kursk Oblast provides significant updates. Ukrainian forces have fully encircled Kremyanoe, east of Korenevo, cutting off key supply routes and trapping Russian troops. As the siege tightens, both sides are bracing for a decisive move that could influence the broader Kursk offensive.

Kremyanoe has been a focal point since August after Russia’s 810th Naval Infantry Brigade moved in following Ukraine’s advance into Kursk Oblast. While most Russian units eventually retreated, a small contingent remained entrenched, only to be gradually isolated by Ukrainian forces systematically cutting off their supply lines.

Ukrainians encircled Russians in Kremyanoe

Ukrainian forces have officially completed the encirclement of Kremyanoe, cutting off all major supply routes. Only one precarious supply line from Sheptukhovka remains, partially under Ukrainian fire control, due to a natural choke point in the terrain. The village is surrounded by elevated areas, which further restrict access.

For the past two weeks, Ukrainian forces have targeted Sheptukhovka, advancing from three directions and using drone and artillery strikes to tighten the encirclement. Russian resupply attempts, carried out through hastily assembled convoys, have become increasingly desperate. Though some have succeeded, many have failed, with Ukrainian ambushes destroying or forcing the retreat of several convoys, tightening the siege around the trapped Russian troops.

Desperate Russian resupply

Facing growing danger for their encircled troops, Russian commanders have shifted their focus to Olgovka, seeking a lifeline. However, Ukrainian forces have fiercely resisted these efforts, determined to maintain the encirclement of Kremyanoe. The intense fighting highlights the high stakes, with both sides struggling to control this crucial position.

Despite holding the advantage, Ukrainian commanders have opted against a costly full-scale assault on Kremyanoe, favoring a containment strategy instead. By gradually tightening the siege, Ukrainian forces weaken Russian troops through attrition, limiting them to sporadic defensive actions. This calculated approach conserves Ukrainian resources while creating ambush opportunities to disrupt Russian resupply missions with precision.

Another encirclement near Malaya Loknya

While Kremyanoe remains a focal point, Ukrainian forces are also encircling Malaya Loknya, north of Sudzha. Russian troops initially fortified a local women’s prison as a stronghold, but Ukrainian forces have systematically cut off all escape routes, mirroring their containment strategy seen in other areas of the front.

In a desperate bid, Russian commanders sent a relief team that briefly opened an escape route. However, Ukrainian forces quickly closed the gap, trapping the rescue team along with those they aimed to save, deepening the crisis.

Cut off from supplies and with Ukrainian drones dominating the skies, Russian troops in Malaya Loknya have been left isolated. Ukrainian drones have made resupply almost impossible, detecting and disrupting every attempt. With shifting battlefield priorities, Russian commanders have had to redeploy resources to counter a new Ukrainian offensive toward Glushkovo, leaving their forces in Malaya Loknya even more vulnerable and diminishing any chances of a breakout.

Ukrainian strategic patience

Ukrainian forces employ a patient containment strategy, focusing on ambushes and eroding Russian supply lines. Their superior drone capabilities have been crucial, allowing close monitoring of Russian movements and disrupting supply convoys.

This approach steadily diminishes the enemy’s combat capabilities while preserving Ukrainian resources. Ukrainian forces constantly pressure their isolated adversaries by preventing meaningful Russian counteroffensive.

Overall, these encirclements in Kursk Oblast demonstrate Ukrainian forces’ operational discipline and strategic foresight. Their containment and attrition tactics are proving effective as Russian troops grow more isolated. As Ukrainian forces close in on Kremyanoe and Malaya Loknya, the outcome of this encirclement appears increasingly inevitable.

In our regular frontline report, we pair up with the military blogger Reporting from Ukraine to keep you informed about what is happening on the battlefield in the Russo-Ukrainian war.