Today at 19:16
What is going on in Kursk, how good bad things are. Aid’s clear picture says Sybiha – what does it mean for Ukraine. Is Trump good or bad for Ukraine. Learn in a blitz interview with an expert ex-Secret Service Officer of Ukraine Ivan Stupak.
— What’s going on in Kursk? How are things, good or bad, or otherwise? Maybe shed some light for us, please.
— Okay, let’s speak with the language of numbers. Right on the 1st of September, the Ukrainian Armed Forces controlled about 900 square kilometers of the region. By October 1st, they controlled only 770 square kilometers. On November 1st, we had only 600 square kilometers.
Now, on November 14th, it’s less than 600 square kilometers—about 30% of the previously controlled territory we’ve lost.
From the other side, the Russian Armed Forces have launched significant numbers of attacks, mainly aimed at repulsing Ukraine from this territory. During the last counteroffensive operation, Russia lost about 2,000 individuals and around 56 units of heavy equipment, including APCs, tanks, and so on. They suffered huge losses but continue offensive operations repeatedly to achieve their goal of pushing Ukraine out of the region.
— I hope we reach Ukraine’s goal, whatever it is. This operation certainly sent a message to Western politicians that we can do it. I don’t think anyone has taken Russian land for a hundred years. Let me move to another question—Foreign Minister Andriy Yermak said Ukraine has a “clear picture” of forthcoming military aid after talks with Antony Blinken. How clear is this picture? Do you know anything about this?
—It’s unknown. President Zelenskyy has stated several times that Ukraine received military support from Western countries with delays of around one year. Some promises were never realized in real life. Western countries lack both the necessary equipment to supply Ukraine and the will to provide it, due to concerns over escalation and red lines. Ukraine is caught between Russia’s red lines and Western countries’ fears of escalation.
— Well, with Trump’s potential return, things could change quickly. Blinken is in Brussels, Poland is preparing, and now we have this “clear picture” of support. But three years have passed—30% gone. If it were up to you, what would you do with the incursion in the region now?
— Tricky question, but I’ll try. The initial Ukrainian push into the region was a great operation. It showed the world that Putin is weak and that his army isn’t as strong on home ground. But since around September 15th, we’ve been stuck in this region.
The best solution now would be a tactical withdrawal—not a defeat, but leaving with everything we wanted. Think of it like a boxer quitting undefeated. That would have been ideal, but we missed the timing.
— I’d love to discuss more, but for now, one last question—when you heard about Trump’s possible return, were you afraid?
— Honestly, no. My circle in Ukraine is tired of indecision. We want someone on the other side of the world to be decisive, to act rather than wait or react. Trump may not make the right decision every time, but he is decisive. I think many in Ukraine and globally would welcome someone who finally takes decisive steps.
I agree—Trump’s decisions may not always be favorable, but at least they’re actionable.
We don’t want to wait half a year for tanks or other weapons due to restrictions or escalation fears.
Ukrainian soldiers have repeatedly proven they can operate Western equipment—Patriot systems, F-16s. Ukraine just needs the equipment, even if it’s for sale.
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