KYIV, Ukraine — Five months following their unexpected offensive into Russian territory, Ukrainian forces find themselves battered and disheartened by an increasing threat of defeat in the Kursk region. This area has become a point of contention among military leaders, with some advocating for its defense at all costs, while others question the strategic value of the incursion made earlier in the conflict.
The intensity of the confrontations has reached a point where some Ukrainian commanders are unable to properly recover their fallen comrades. Delays in communication and miscalculated strategies have led to considerable losses, according to seven soldiers and commanders on the front lines who chose to remain anonymous to discuss sensitive operations.
In reaction to the initial surprise of the Ukrainian advance, Russia has deployed over 50,000 troops to the Kursk area, bolstering its ranks with some units from North Korea. While accurate casualty figures are difficult to ascertain, Moscow’s countermeasures have resulted in significant fatalities and injuries among Ukrainian forces, who have already lost more than 40% of the 984 square kilometers (approximately 380 square miles) of Kursk that they had captured in August.
The broad invasion launched by Russia three years ago has seen it seize about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that maintaining a foothold in Kursk could pressure Moscow into negotiations. However, several Ukrainian and Western officials in Kyiv expressed concerns — while speaking off the record — that committing resources to Kursk may negatively impact the stability of a 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) front line, particularly as Ukraine struggles for ground in the eastern regions._
Major Stepan Lutsiv of the 95th Airborne Assault Brigade remarked, “We have, as they say, hit a hornet’s nest. We have stirred up another hot spot.”_
The operation commenced on August 5 when army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi ordered troops to leave Ukraine’s Sumy region for what was initially intended as a short nine-day raid. This mission quickly transformed into an unexpected occupation, which many Ukrainians initially welcomed as their smaller nation seemed to gain leverage and embarrass Russian President Vladimir Putin. One company commander inspired his men with the belief that they were making history, emphasizing that such actions had not been taken since World War II.
However, doubts began to creep in. “It seemed crazy,” the same commander shared privately. The surprise success quickly led to orders for further advancement into Russian territory, resulting in clashes around the town of Korenevo, located about 25 kilometers (16 miles) inside Russia’s borders. Following early successes, Russian troops began to reclaim territory swiftly by early November. The soldiers’ previously high spirits turned to disillusionment as they faced increasing losses, with one commander noting that half of his unit was either dead or injured.
Morale has plummeted among the troops, as many front-line commanders express that conditions are dire, and there is mounting skepticism regarding the command’s decisions — especially concerning the rationale for holding Kursk. One commander pointed out that miscommunications have led to orders that fail to reflect the current reality on the ground, making operational decisions challenging.
Despite painful circumstances, the soldiers acknowledge that retreat is not a viable option. “There’s no other choice. We’ll fight here because if we simply withdraw, they won’t stop; they’ll continue to push forward,” insisted a drone unit commander.
In response to inquiries from The Associated Press, Ukraine’s General Staff affirmed that despite the losses, Ukrainian units are effectively inflicting damage on Russian personnel and equipment daily and have adequate resources to perform their combat roles. Additionally, American long-range weaponry has helped slow the Russian advance, though North Korean soldiers are not without challenges, as they are reportedly easier targets for Ukrainian airstrikes, often moving in large, uncoordinated groups.
Recently, President Zelenskyy stated that around 3,000 North Korean troops have been either killed or wounded. Despite some initial setbacks, the North Korean forces appear to be adapting and improving their tactics.
One significant confrontation occurred last week near the Vorontsovo tract, which was previously under Ukrainian control but has seen some territory revert to Russian hands. Concerns are mounting that the Russians could secure a critical logistics route as fighting intensifies. As the situation escalates in the eastern Donbas region — which is crucial for supplies — some soldiers are beginning to voice doubts about the wisdom of holding Kursk. “All the military can think about now is that Donbas has simply been sold,” a platoon commander lamented, questioning the steep costs of the ongoing conflict.
