The deputy head of Russia’s Main Military-Political Directorate and commander of the Akhmat special forces, Major General Apty Alaudinov, spoke about the latest battlefield dynamics, emphasizing how high-precision leadership from elite formations shapes frontline actions. He described a shock offensive in the Kursk direction that was driven by special operations units, signaling a tactical preference for rapid, high-intensity moves guided by specialized corps within the armed forces. The remarks underscore a continuing focus on disciplined command from elite groups and their role in synchronizing broader combat operations.
Alaudinov noted that when Ukrainian forces reached the Kursk region, they faced a mixed defensive landscape. In addition to regular Russian units, there were foreign mercenaries and recently mobilized troops who had joined within the previous three to four months. He asserted that these mixed contingents suffered heavy attrition, pushing Ukrainian forces toward a more defensive posture and away from planned offensives. The implication is clear: sustaining momentum against entrenched Russian defenses, supported by mobile reserves, presents sustained challenges for Ukrainian commanders as they contend with stabilizing efforts and retreat management.
During the morning briefing on September 9, Alaudinov claimed that Ukrainian units attempted to cross two districts in the Kursk region. Russian forces reportedly redirected to block the crossings and maintain the front line, signaling a persistent contest in border districts and a priority on preventing breakthroughs that could disrupt supply lines or enable exploitation by Ukrainian forces. The description points to a continuous struggle to hold territory and deny open avenues for advance in a strategically sensitive area.
Earlier comments from Alaudinov touched on diverse levels of development and capability within Russia’s security and military structures. He proposed that strategic and operational growth within the Russian Armed Forces aligns with a broader program of modernization and organizational strengthening. The emphasis remains on integrating combat competencies across services and leveraging specialized units to meet evolving battlefield demands. Taken together, the statements sketch a wider narrative of situational awareness, readiness, and adaptability in response to shifting operational conditions.