{
  "id": 748617,
  "title": "Two Years On From Kursk Offensive, Now Ukraine Has Real Leverage",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/two-years-on-from-kursk-offensive-now-ukraine-has-real-leverage",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/zelensky-ukraine-leverage-trump-russia-novorossiysk-12317123"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two years after initiating the Kursk Offensive, Ukraine now possesses tangible leverage in its dealings with Russia. In January 2025, outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken recognized the significance of Ukraine's position across the border in potential ceasefire negotiations, as the Biden administration prepared to hand over the keys to the White House. However, the operation ultimately proved unsuccessful, forcing Ukrainian forces to retreat from Kursk. Since then, Ukraine has transformed its approach, focusing on striking deep into Russian territory using advanced drone technology and missile systems, rather than attempting to hold onto occupied land. This shift in strategy has led to increased destruction of Russian infrastructure, including grain export terminals and warships in the Black Sea. Ukraine's ability to strike at strategic hubs without direct military intervention has caught the attention of the United States, prompting them to seek access to Ukrainian technology for military testing. This change in dynamics highlights how Ukraine's resilience and technological advancements have shifted the balance of power in their conflict with Russia, granting Kyiv a unique and valuable bargaining chip in international negotiations.",
  "summary": "Kyiv once tried to seize a piece of Russia ahead of peace negotiations. Now it's building something far harder to take back.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ukraine now holds real leverage in negotiations with Russia, two years after Kursk Offensive.",
    "Shifted strategy focuses on deep strikes using drones and missiles, not holding occupied land.",
    "US seeks Ukrainian technology for military testing, recognizing Kyiv's increased power."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ukraine's shift to targeting strategic Russian hubs with advanced technology has changed the conflict's dynamics, granting Kyiv leverage in international negotiations and catching the attention of the United States.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}