A new offensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region disrupts Putin's plans, as an expert outlines the crucial strategy behind it.

The Kursk region has become an inconvenient frontline area for Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin. The recent activity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in this region poses serious challenges for the Kremlin. This opinion was expressed by military expert Mikhail Zhirohov during a broadcast on Radio NV.

"For him (Putin - ed.), it is primarily psychologically very difficult to approach the beginning of negotiations that everyone is talking about, with the presence of the Ukrainian army on Russian territory," Zhirohov stated.

According to him, for Putin, Kursk is indeed a "very inconvenient section of the front." However, the expert added that he does not currently see any levers of pressure that could lead to the initiation of a negotiation process.

In his opinion, any potential negotiations should begin with a cessation of hostilities along the current front line.

"And the front line in the Kursk region for Putin and for Russian society as a whole is entirely different from the cessation of hostilities in the Donetsk or Luhansk regions, where we still control four settlements," he added.

At the same time, Zhirohov emphasizes that the public does not understand the objectives of Ukrainian activity in the Kursk region.

"Perhaps these are demonstration actions. It could be an unsuccessful move or, conversely, a successful one ahead of Trump's inauguration. We need to observe and primarily rely on the official position," Zhirohov said.

Recall that Ukrainian forces have intensified their offensive in the Kursk region: ISW analysis. Ukrainian troops have achieved tactical successes in the Kursk region, advancing in several settlements.