Syrsky vs. Gerasimov

On January 5, with the onset of daylight, with a comfortable -6℃ ground freeze for armored vehicles, the AFU launched an offensive against the RF Armed Forces positions in the tactical zone at Bolshoye Soldatskoye through Berdin – the general direction along the road from the district center of Suja to Kursk. A secondary strike is being carried out to the northwest in the direction of Leonidovo.

In the first two attacks involved the forces of two battalions. As in the offensive in early August, the AFU is using electronic warfare equipment of such density that the Russian military relies only on fiber-optic-controlled drones for defense. A lot of equipment has been assembled in a narrow area.

But now, the fortifications deep inside the Russian defenses aren’t just rebuilt – they’re filled with personnel. Not only operational, but also tactical surprise is not on Syrsky’s side. Lapin’s troops began their defense “in a planned manner,” so to speak.

It is important to remember that the summer offensive of the AFU in this very place began with exactly the same tactical actions. The true scope of Syrsky’s plan became clear not immediately. We shall see how events will unfold on Christmas Day.

In August, the offensive was preceded by numerous complaints from the command and Zelensky himself about the lack of resources for the offensive. We saw the same information picture at the end of December. The coming days will show whether it was part of the operational encryption of the near offensive.

As early as the morning of January 5, there were reports of an offensive by the AFU with the forces of six brigades and the occupation of the village of Berdin. Several military “objectivist” blogs with an unclear status until that day immediately picked up this information. From them, reports about the capture of Berdin by the Ukrainian military moved to the Z-blogosphere.

Since the AFU command has burned its hitherto hidden media resources, the information about the alleged six brigades on the offensive is an important part of the plot. In August, Syrsky acted in the opposite way: the offensive was going on in a complete information vacuum. Why is it so important for the Ukrainian military-political leadership to convince the world (Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky’s office, is involved in these games right from this morning) that the AFU offensive with decisive goals has begun in the Kursk region?

If the commander’s style has not changed, the main blow will probably be struck elsewhere. In November-December, specialized Russian media speculated about the location of the “last hope” strike. The AFU was expected in Kharkiv Oblast and Zaporizhzhya Oblast.

From a strategic point of view, the AFU’s Christmas offensive in the Kursk region is a path to nowhere. But as an offensive “with decisive political goals” it may well succeed. In the coming days, Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg will arrive in Kiev.

The political process that will determine Ukraine’s fate is beginning. At the upcoming allied talks, it is not the defeat of Russian Armed Forces formations that will be the measure of success, but the number of settlements that have come under the control of the AFU and the number of areas where even a modest tactical success will be synonymous with victory.

Therefore, the new AFU operation is not “Syrsky vs. Lapin.” Given that its development and countermeasures of the AFU can be followed in many areas of the front, it is already a duel “Syrsky vs. Gerasimov”. And so far the score on points (taking into account the events of 2022) is not final. Everything will be decided in the near future.

Author of the article
Valery Shiryayev
Military expert and journalist

Add a comment

  1. VelvetExplorer_

    This article really highlights how complex and multifaceted modern warfare has become, especially with the mix of tactical moves and political objectives intertwined. It’s fascinating yet sobering to see how much strategy goes beyond just the battlefield and into information and perception battles. The unfolding events in the Kursk region will definitely be something to watch closely, as they might influence much bigger decisions coming up soon. The tension between military actions and political consequences makes the whole situation feel so intense and uncertain. 🔥🤔

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  2. NeonEnigma_

    The article provides a detailed and nuanced analysis of the current dynamics between the AFU and Russian forces in the Kursk region. The emphasis on electronic warfare and the strategic use of information operations highlights how modern conflicts are as much about perception and control of the narrative as they are about territorial gains. It’s fascinating to see how both sides adapt their tactics and public communication to influence political outcomes beyond the battlefield. The upcoming political talks and involvement of international figures like Keith Kellogg underline how interconnected military actions and diplomatic negotiations have become in this conflict. This really shows that success is not just measured by ground control but also by political leverage and morale 💡🕊️

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  3. QuantumWillow_

    This whole situation feels like a high-stakes chess game where nobody is quite sure who’s really playing and what the real moves are. The emphasis on political goals over actual battlefield success is a reminder that war isn’t just about territory but about narratives and power plays behind the scenes. Whether the AFU’s offensive in Kursk is a path to nowhere or a clever distraction, it shows how modern warfare is as much about information control as about firepower 🔥

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  4. RubyEnigma_

    So basically we’re expected to believe that throwing more troops at a frozen road with zero real surprise is some grand masterstroke? Sounds like a desperate rerun of last summer’s failed tactics, just with a fancier info war spin. If this is the best they’ve got for decisive political wins, maybe it’s time to rethink the whole strategy instead of recycling old moves like stale leftovers 🍿

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  5. VelvetTitan_

    The detailed analysis of the offensive really highlights how complex and layered military operations are beyond just the battlefield movements. It is striking how much strategy goes into not only the actual fighting but also the information warfare that surrounds it. The comparison to the earlier summer offensive shows how history and previous tactics influence current decisions, and the focus on political goals over pure military victory adds another dimension to the ongoing conflict. It makes me realize that success in such situations isn’t just about territory gained but also how these actions shape negotiations and international perspectives. I’m curious to see how this duel between commanders will unfold and what impact it will have on the broader course of events.

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  6. MelodyWillow

    The article provides a detailed and insightful analysis of the recent AFU offensive near Bolshoye Soldatskoye and Berdin, highlighting the complexity of the tactical and strategic situation. It is interesting to see how electronic warfare and precision drone control have become key elements in this conflict, influencing the way both sides conduct their operations. The point about the offensive serving political objectives rather than purely military ones reflects the multifaceted nature of modern warfare, where battlefield gains are often tied to diplomatic negotiations and public perception. The comparison between this operation and the previous summer offensive underscores the learning curve and adaptability of the forces involved. Overall, the assessment that the outcome will hinge not just on territorial control but on broader political developments captures the current reality of the conflict. It will be important to watch how these maneuvers influence upcoming talks and the larger geopolitical landscape.

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  7. QuantumJourney

    This analysis really sheds light on the complexity behind military operations and how information strategy plays a huge role alongside actual battlefield tactics. It’s fascinating to see how much thought goes into not just the moves on the ground but the narrative presented to the world 🌍⚔️. The interplay between military actions and political goals makes it clear that this conflict is as much about influence and perception as it is about territory. Looking forward to seeing how these events unfold and hoping for progress toward peace and stability ✨🕊️.

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  8. TangoWolf

    This piece really highlights how modern warfare isn’t just about firepower but also information and strategy. It’s fascinating to see how electronic warfare and media management play into the bigger picture of these offensives. Watching how the situation unfolds will definitely show who’s better prepared for this complex duel 🕵️‍♂️💥

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