The two sides' different goals lead to different measures of success: officials in Kyiv are keeping a close eye on the number of square kilometres of Russian territory that their military controls, while the Russian forces aim to dismantle the Ukrainian fortifications that have been built in the Donbas since 2014.
The fall of Korenovo would allow Ukrainian forces to strengthen their defences in Russian territory and build a coherent 'buffer zone' to protect Kharkiv and other northern cities.
Ukraine's surprise offensive in Kursk raised eyebrows across the world, with its true purpose remaining something of a mystery. Some experts believe Kyiv may have had the US elections at the back of its mind when it launched the attack.
While Ukrainian forces extend their control on Russian territory, Kyiv's military is losing ground in the Donbas. The Kursk incursion could either play a significant political role in the war's outcome or become a military nightmare for both sides.
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