For the invasion of the Russian Kursk region, the Ukrainian army has sent one of its most powerful and fastest brigades, Forbes reported.
For the third day, fighting has been going on on Russian territory after the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) launched a surprise offensive. One of the best-armed Ukrainian brigades, the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade, participated in the special military operation.
It is equipped with Western equipment, including US-made armored personnel carriers. Every single vehicle is armored with anti-drone cells. The participation of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade underlines the scale of the Ukrainian operation.
In the 29 months since Russia waged full-scale war against Ukraine, Russian guerrillas fighting on the side of Kiev have launched many raids across the border into southern Russia. But these raids have been small in scale and limited in scope — and they never lasted more than a few days. More than anything, they aimed to humiliate Russian commanders and the Kremlin.
The Ukrainian operation that began on Tuesday is different. At least three brigades, each with up to 2,000 troops, are involved: the 22nd and 88th Mechanized Brigades and the 80th Assault Brigade. Artillery, drones and air defenses play a critical supporting role.