The Russian military command anticipated Ukraine's attack on Kursk and has been preparing plans to counter it for several months.

Axar.az informs that this information was reported by The Guardian, referencing documents seized by Ukrainian soldiers from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Federal Security Service, and Defense Ministry.

The document dated January 4 mentions the Ukrainian army's potential to breach the state border and orders were issued to strengthen preparations to repel any attack. On February 19, division commanders were warned about plans to rapidly attack from Ukraine's Sumy region into Russian territory, advancing up to 80 km to create a four-day corridor.

The document also notes that in mid-March, orders were given to strengthen defense lines and conduct additional training for units on the border in preparation for a possible Ukrainian attack:

"By mid-June, more specific warnings emerged regarding plans to seize Ukraine's Sucani in the Yunakovka-Suca direction. Additionally, it was predicted that Ukraine would attempt to destroy the bridge over the Seym River to disrupt Russian supply lines in the area."

The June document states that only 60-70% of the Russian units stationed at the front are fully staffed, and they mainly consist of poorly trained reserve soldiers.