Ukraine has achieved a series of victories following a surprise cross-border assault into the western Russian region of Kursk. Still, the challenges of holding the seized territory are mounting as Russian forces begin to regroup.

More than a week ago, Ukrainian troops launched a lightning attack, pouring thousands of soldiers into the Kursk region, seizing towns, and pulling down Russian flags. This marked a significant shift in the war, giving Ukraine the initiative for the first time in months.

On Wednesday, Ukrainian officials announced plans to use the captured Russian territory as a “buffer zone” to protect its northern regions from Russian strikes. On Thursday, Oleksandr Syrskyi, head of the Ukrainian armed forces, confirmed that a military commandant’s office had been established in the occupied part of Kursk, signaling Kyiv’s intention to hold and defend the area.

“The occupied area exceeds 1,150 square kilometers,” Syrskyi stated, underscoring the scale of Ukraine’s territorial gains.

Ukraine’s former defense minister, Andriy Zagorodnyuk, explained that the offensive in Kursk aims to distract Russian forces from the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas, where Russia has been making steady advances. However, there is currently no indication that the assault on Kursk has significantly impacted Russia’s efforts in Donbas.

While the invasion represents a significant reputational blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin, its impact extends beyond symbolism. Polish military analyst Konrad Muzyka noted that the attack has inflicted considerable damage on Russian forces, resulted in the capture of soldiers who could be used in future prisoner exchanges, and created a new vulnerability on Russia’s western flank.

The Russian defense ministry has not yet responded to the developments, while Ukraine’s defense ministry has referred all questions to the armed forces, which have also remained silent. Russian officials have condemned the Ukrainian incursion as a “terrorist invasion,” accusing Ukrainian forces of targeting civilian infrastructure—allegations that Kyiv firmly denies.

In a statement, President Putin vowed that Russia would deliver a “worthy response” to the Ukrainian attack, emphasizing that the immediate priority is to eject all Ukrainian troops from Russian territory.

Despite the successes, Ukraine’s long-term plans for the occupied territory remain uncertain. A Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson indicated that Kyiv has no interest in permanently annexing Russian land, describing the territory instead as a potential bargaining chip in future peace negotiations.