Syracuse Sun

If you need an expert to discuss Ukraine’s incursion in Russia, two Syracuse University professors are available for interviews. To schedule an interview, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Tetiana Hranchak became a visiting assistant teaching professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs after she fled Ukraine in 2022.

Hranchak writes: “The Kursk operation showed the effectiveness of a proactive approach and strategic initiative. The Russians turned out to be unprepared for the Ukrainians’ non-standard actions and unable to react effectively to them. We can confidently talk about a certain political, informational, and military ‘spinning wheel’ in response to the challenge created by the Ukrainian side and the Kremlin’s image losses. Additional lessons are the conclusions regarding the ability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to conduct successful military operations and win under the conditions of the necessary military support and planning, as well as regarding the conventionality of the so-called 'red lines' declared by the Kremlin. Unconditional bonuses became strengthening the fighting spirit of Ukrainians and improving Ukraine’s potential negotiating position.”

Retired Vice Admiral Robert Murrett is a professor of practice at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and deputy director of Syracuse University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law.

Murrett writes: “The Ukrainian operations across the border in the Kursk and (possibly) Belgorod regions have been of longer duration and reach than either the Russians or Ukrainians initially expected. Moreover, there is reporting today that Russia has had to divert units fighting in southern Ukraine to deal with offensive operations in Russia. This latter dynamic is likely the stretch goal of Kyiv; that is, to diminish Russian capability inside Ukraine by resetting conditions across the border in Russia.

The situation is still highly fluid, but with clear signs that the Russian command and control of responding units is still coming together, with all-important unity of command not yet achieved. The next 2-3 days will be critical for both sides as this ‘Battle of Kursk’ takes on additional significance.”

You can view previous video interviews of both Hranchak and Murrett by clicking here.