Analysis: Main impact of Ukrainian operation on Russia is political

International analyst Lourival Sant’Anna assessed during the CNN Prime Time that the recent Ukrainian military operation on Russian territory has a primarily political and informational impact.

According to him, this action reduces President Vladimir Putin’s main credential before the Russian people: the supposed unique ability to protect Russia’s vast territory.

Sant’Anna highlights that this is the first time since World War II that regular armed forces from another country have invaded Russian territory.

The Kursk and Belgorod regions were targeted by Ukrainian incursions, strategic areas that include important natural gas terminals.

Challenges for maintaining occupation

The analyst considers that, although the surprise invasion was successful, maintaining the occupation in the medium and long term will be a challenge for Ukrainian forces.

The Russians are likely to prioritize retaking these territories, which could weaken their presence on Ukrainian soil.

One of Ukraine’s military goals, beyond the political impact, would be to force the Russians to regroup, potentially creating new gaps in the vast, 1,000-kilometer front line held by Russian forces.

Impact on Putin’s image and international support

The Ukrainian operation represents a crack in Vladimir Putin’s image as an uncompromising defender of Russian territory.

On the other hand, for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the successful attack could result in greater international support, including possible increases in the supply of military equipment.

Sant’Anna suggests that this show of force could positively influence the debate in the United States about continued support for Ukraine, especially with the presidential election approaching.

Zelensky, however, made a point of declaring that Ukraine has no interest in annexing Russian territory, seeking to prevent the action from being used as propaganda by Putin to justify war.