White House Contacts Ukraine to 'Learn' About Kursk Offensive

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Facts

  • While it was previously reported that US intelligence agencies are taking an active role in supporting Ukraine's war effort against Russia, the White House said on Wednesday that it was contacting Ukraine 'to learn more about their objectives' after it launched a cross-border offensive into Russian territory this week.[1][2]
  • Responding to questions from reporters, the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: 'Generally speaking, as you know, we have been supportive of Ukraine as they are defending themselves against Russia's aggression.'[1]
  • She added: 'But as for the specific operation, we're going to reach out to them to see what their objective is and continue to stay focused.'[1]
  • After Ukraine launched the assault into Russia's Kursk region on Tuesday, Russia's Defense Ministry initially said it repelled the attack. However, it conceded that 'the operation to destroy the Ukrainian armed formations continues,' in its latest update on Thursday.[3][4]
  • According to the Institute for the Study of War, a US military think tank that tracks troop positions in the conflict, Ukrainian forces made confirmed advances of roughly six miles (10km) from the international border and breached Russian defensive lines in at least two positions. ISW added that fighting is now ongoing in Korenovo and Sudzha.[5]
  • Late on Wednesday, Alexei Smirnov, Russia's acting governor of the Kursk region, declared a state of emergency, adding the decision was taken to 'eliminate the consequences of enemy forces coming into the region.'[6]

Sources: [1]The White House, [2]The New York Times, [3]TASS (a), [4]TASS (b), [5]Understandingwar and [6]POLITICO.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The White House. While the US supports Ukraine in this conflict, it had no prior knowledge of this offensive into Russian territory. It is contacting the Ukrainian military to learn more about the objectives of this attack and to ensure that it continues to support Ukraine in its wider war aims.
  • Pro-Ukraine narrative, as provided by President. Gratitude goes out to all warriors who are bravely fighting for Ukraine. Their actions exert pressure on Russia and this will be instrumental in bringing about peace.
  • Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. This is a large-scale provocation from Ukraine who are indiscriminately firing weapons at civilian buildings and residential homes. Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin is meeting with military heads to ensure that the threat is eliminated.

Predictions