In the Kursk direction, Ukrainian forces turned a Russian assault into a strategic opportunity, employing a bold deception to ambush and destroy a major reinforcement unit. After repelling an initial attack near Pogrebki, Ukrainian special forces used captured Russian communications to report the position as secured, luring an unsuspecting reinforcement group into a meticulously prepared ambush. This operation, which neutralized an entire Russian assault platoon, highlights Ukraine’s tactical ingenuity and its ability to exploit weaknesses in Russian command and coordination. As Russian forces face mounting setbacks and operational disarray, this engagement underscores the increasing disparity in battlefield effectiveness between the two sides.