Ukrainian soldiers describe their grim experiences in Russia’s Kursk region. Many fear losing a battle they barely understand.
“The situation worsens daily,” Pavlo wrote in late November. “It’s only a matter of time.”
Soldiers we contacted through Telegram described relentless bombardment, harsh weather, and crushing fatigue. They endure constant attacks, including strikes from 3,000kg glide bombs. Russian forces are gradually regaining ground, and Ukrainian troops face a severe lack of rotation, with reinforcements often arriving directly from other fronts, exhausted and unprepared.
Commanders ordered the soldiers to hold this small piece of Russian territory until a new U.S. president takes office. Pavlo explained, “We’re tasked to maintain territory until Trump’s inauguration, hoping to exchange it later. No one knows for what.”
Struggles at the Front
President Zelensky acknowledged the strategic importance of the U.S. political transition. He suggested Putin aims to force Ukraine out of Kursk by January 20. Western allies, including the U.S., UK, and France, authorized long-range weapons to counter Russian counterattacks. However, frontline soldiers see little benefit.
“Missiles hit distant targets,” Pavlo said. “We live and fight here, now, in the trenches.” Soldiers’ conversations focus more on family, rotation, and survival than on weapon systems.
Ukraine faces mounting pressure as Russia advances in the east. In October, Russia recaptured about 500 square kilometers, the most since the early invasion days. Meanwhile, Ukraine lost nearly 40% of the territory it seized in Kursk in August.
Vadym believes the campaign still matters, as it diverts Russian forces from other fronts. However, many soldiers question their role in Kursk. “Our place is in eastern Ukraine,” Pavlo said. “Not in these forests, where we’ve lost so many comrades.”
Rumors of North Korean soldiers joining Russian forces have yet to be confirmed. Ukrainian soldiers report no encounters with North Koreans despite orders to capture them. “It’s hard to find someone in a dark forest if they’re not even here,” Pavlo remarked.
Veterans of past operations draw parallels with Kursk. Myroslav, a marine officer, compared it to the ill-fated bridgehead operation at Krynky. That effort, meant to open paths into Russian-held territory, resulted in heavy Ukrainian losses and ultimately failed. “Good idea but poor execution,” he said.
Strategic Value Amid Hardship
Despite hardships, military analysts argue that the Kursk campaign holds strategic significance. Serhiy Kuzan of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre said it ties up Russian resources and allows Ukraine to maintain some initiative.
Senior commanders in Kyiv support the operation, claiming it causes heavy losses for Russia and frustrates Putin. When asked how long Ukraine can hold Kursk, one commander said simply, “As long as it’s militarily feasible.”
For now, Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk endure immense challenges, waiting for broader shifts to bring clarity to their mission.