^^ Better or worse are relative terms. Putin is emotionally and politically invested in this war. He may not physically survive anything that looks other than a clear victory in terms of territory (Ruzzia has already lost the war in any other aspect).
Will Ruzzia produce another dictator? Looks very likely. Will whoever takes Putin's place how risky is for his (or her) health to be involved in such a dynamic and random situation?... perhaps.
I don't understand, are Ukrainians being squeezed out of the Kursk region?
Did you expect something else?
There is a Ruzzian counter-attack, as it was expected and as of today, there are news of Ukraine doing a manoeuvres warfare to counter the counter and encircle troops. Nothing is quite clear in terms of advances and I am missing my most trusted source update since 2 days ago.
Yes, there is fight, Ruzzia apparently has taken troops from Belgorod and now they are paranoid about Ukraine attacking in Belgorod.