The Kremlin has likely decided to declare a counter-terrorist operation (CTO) to downplay the scale of the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region, according to a report from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Analysts note that the declaration of a counter-terrorist operation (CTO), rather than a state of war or martial law, has another purpose: to prevent internal panic or backlash. Additionally, experts cite certain sources. Specifically, a source close to the Defense Committee of the Russian Federation Council, as reported by the Russian opposition outlet Verstka, stated …
