WSJ counted how many soldiers Putin needs to retrieve Kursk region.

The destruction of three bridges indicates Ukraine's intention to hold the territory of the Kursk region, which is currently controlled by Ukrainian armed forces. According to The Wall Street Journal, about six thousand defenders are operating in this area, with another four thousand in the Sumy region to provide assistance. Thus, for Russia to regain control over the border area, more than 20 thousand soldiers will be needed.As a result of the destruction of the bridges to the west of the territory controlled by Ukraine, Russian forces will need to use pontoon bridges to deliver new supplies, making them more vulnerable. If Ukraine plans to claim even more territory in the region, the river will serve as a natural barrier against potential Russian attacks from the west, according to The Wall Street Journal.The authors of the article note that Kyiv hopes to hold Russian territory long enough. This will become an important leverage that Ukraine will try to exchange for the occupied territories of the Russian Federation.It should also be considered that there are over two thousand prisoners in the Kursk region, whom Ukraine will try to exchange for its soldiers.Source: ZN.UA