Bauer assessed how the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Kursk operation influenced Putin's strategy.

NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Rob Bauer believes that the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operation in the Kursk region presents a significant strategic problem for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In his interview with the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Bauer said that both sides of the conflict are facing various difficulties, particularly related to personnel issues, the unpreparedness of recruits, and a lack of resources and ammunition. He anticipates that, in the near future, the Russians will attempt an offensive, while Ukraine will prepare for a counteroffensive.

"Kursk is a good example of a counteroffensive, where Ukraine invaded Russian soil for the first Time since 1941. This creates a strategic problem for Russia and negatively impacts its logistical lines that pass through Kursk," Bauer said.

He noted that, although the results of the Kursk counteroffensive for Ukraine are generally positive, some aspects of the operation did not go according to plan. It was expected that Russian troops from the Donbas would be redirected to the Kursk region, but this did not happen.

"Ukraine is creating a strategic dilemma for Russia. Putin cannot successfully defend his homeland when Ukraine is already present on its territory. This is a smart move by Ukraine," Bauer stated.

According to him, this situation prompts Russia to discuss how to respond to the Ukrainian invasion and whether it is necessary to shift priorities from Donbas to Kursk. Such discussions create additional difficulties for the Russian command and force them to reconsider their strategy.

However, Bauer acknowledges that Russian troops in the Donbas, despite their losses, have achieved certain successes. He emphasized that Ukraine is defending itself bravely and effectively.

Recall that earlier, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that the Russian army is concentrating significant forces in the Kurakhiv and Vuhledar directions.