Ukraine’s recent incursion into Russia’s Kursk region marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, surprising Moscow and the international community alike. Rafael Loss, a defense expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the implications of this move, the role of Western-supplied weapons, and the broader context of international law and political considerations. Key points include Ukraine’s strategic use of its armed forces and Western weapons to gain a foothold in Kursk, the legal and political ramifications of using German-made arms on Russian soil, and the broader implications for NATO and international security.
- Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk represents a strategic shift, catching Russia off-guard and altering the narrative of the conflict.
- Western weapons, including German-made Marder infantry fighting vehicles, have played a significant role in Ukraine’s offensive capabilities.
- Germany’s stance is that once weapons are transferred to Ukraine, they become Ukrainian property, distancing itself from direct military involvement in the conflict.
- The incursion is legally supported under international law as a defensive measure against an aggressor, with Ukraine expected to adhere to international humanitarian obligations.
- Concerns about escalation due to the use of Western weapons in Russia are countered by the argument that Ukraine is exercising its right to self-defense.
- Discussions on arms control and dialogue with Russia remain critical, but are complicated by the current geopolitical context and Russia’s linking of negotiations to Western support for Ukraine.
- The deployment of long-range weapons systems in Europe by the US and others is seen as a conventional deterrent against Russian aggression, not a move towards escalation.
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