This is John Batcher, conversation with colleague Colonel Jeff McCausen, CBS News, about the

cursed salient.

The ambition for the Ukrainians was to draw off the Russians from the attack front and Dunpass.

It's many weeks later, the Ukrainians are acknowledging that it did not work.

That the Russians kept at the front lines approaching Pagrask. Here Colonel Jeff McCausen assesses the

Russians and before that the Soviet doctrine of reinforcing success. More of this success.

More of this tonight.

Yeah, I failed that particular effort.

I think it's true, John, at least at this point.

The Russians are following what is actually Soviet tactics and that is you don't move

away from a success you reinforce success and so I'm not surprised they didn't fall for that or didn't do that.

Still, I would say the Kursk Salin has had some success,

and that would be certainly in the morale for the civilians in Ukraine. Certainly some success in the morale perhaps for the military forces and a

demonstration of Ukraine ability and willingness to go on the offensive

probably not important for dealing with, but it has had that major

success which is forcing the Russians to move forces from down south and the

Danvas up there to stop this or reverse it and it's still for the longer term I think serves as a political black eye to

Mr. Putin for the country as a whole to realize that it not in significant portion of the territory of Russia is now occupied by Ukraine.