On Wednesday, Deputy CIA Director David Cohen discussed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming strategies in response to Ukrainian forces capturing territory in the Kursk region. Speaking at a national security industry conference, Cohen highlighted the challenging situation facing Russian forces as they prepare to counterattack to regain control over the 300 square miles (777 square kilometers) lost to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian military breached Russia’s western border on August 6, initiating a surprise offensive that is still ongoing. Despite Ukraine stating it does not plan to annex the captured areas, it is actively constructing defensive positions, suggesting plans to hold onto the territory temporarily, according to Cohen at the Intelligence and National Security Summit.
Cohen expressed certainty about Putin’s plans for a counteroffensive but predicted it would be a tough battle for the Russians. He also mentioned the broader implications for Putin, who must now address both the military front within Russian borders and the domestic repercussions of losing territory.
The unexpected Ukrainian gains in Kursk could slightly shift the dynamics of the ongoing conflict, Cohen noted, though details were not fully elaborated on. Meanwhile, despite Ukraine’s advances in Kursk, Russian forces are slowly progressing in the eastern Donetsk region, although at a high cost. Cohen speculated on the uncertain outcome of Russian attempts to seize the strategic Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, emphasizing the heavy losses Russia has incurred in terms of troops and equipment.
