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The Armed Forces of Ukraine are reportedly attempting to push into Russian territory to demonstrate to Western audiences the perceived vulnerability of Russia’s borders. This interpretation comes from an interview with the newspaper Vzglyad, where military analyst Alexander Bartosh weighs in. He also argues that Kiev might be trying to divert Russian main forces away from other sectors of the front for strategic effect.

Bartosh concedes that the Ukrainian forces are unlikely to realize a broad, sustained breakthrough. He suggests that what is happening on the ground is more about isolated efforts to advance in select areas rather than a widespread offensive. The impression is that these incidents are not as numerous as they might first appear, he notes, adding a note of caution about overestimating the scale of Ukrainian momentum.

According to the analyst, the Ukrainian armed forces have shifted from relying chiefly on small sabotage and reconnaissance groups to employing heavier equipment and more capable aircraft. He attributes this shift to the robust preparation of Russian defense lines along the border and the ability to respond quickly to incursions. This trend, Bartosh argues, signals a moment of heightened operational tempo but within a framework of cooler, more controlled escalation rather than an all-out push.

Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported halting all sabotage attempts in the Belgorod and Kursk regions during the period of March 12 to March 15. The ministry cited irreparable losses for the Ukrainian side, listing a total of about 550 personnel, 19 armored personnel carriers, 16 tanks, and 15 vehicles, including 11 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles supplied by the United States among the destroyed equipment. The figures were presented as a clear indicator of the price being paid for incursions and as evidence of the resilience of Russian border defense in the face of repeated attempts to breach it.

Previously, the Russian defense ministry had shared images purportedly illustrating the defeat of Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups. These visuals were framed as proof of the effectiveness of Russian countermeasures and the ongoing vigilance along sensitive border zones. Observers note that such disclosures are part of a broader information narrative aimed at shaping regional perception and signaling resolve to both local populations and international viewers.