Ukrainian Soldiers Reflect on Chaotic Retreat from Kursk

Ukrainian soldiers explain their chaotic withdrawal from Kursk and express dissatisfaction with the current geopolitical situation, particularly concerning peace negotiations and reliance on US support. Despite the disorderly retreat, they view their previous operations as strategically vital.

Artem Kariakin and his unit were frequently crossing into Russia until just last week. During their final trip into the nearby Russian town of Sudzha, they captured footage of their retreat from the Kursk region, revealing a trail of burnt military and civilian vehicles. As one soldier armed with a pump-action shotgun gazed into the sky for incoming Russian drones, a drone suddenly approached their truck. Thankfully, the explosive failed to cause significant damage, allowing them to escape, but another vehicle nearby went up in flames.

Artem candidly described the withdrawal from Sudzha, the largest Ukrainian-held town in Kursk, as "not well organised." He characterized the retreat as "pretty chaotic," noting many units left in disarray and that the order to withdraw came too late. The chaos was exacerbated by a lack of communication, as their usual Starlink satellite systems were inoperative in Russia.

At 27 years old, Artem retains a sense of triumph regarding the Kursk offensive, which he claims compelled Russia to redirect its forces from the eastern front. Despite being forced to evacuate, many soldiers managed to escape, albeit in some instances on foot. He asserts that the incursion, which began last August, was ill-conceived, relying overly on a singular main road for supplies and reinforcements.

While Artem was fleeing, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were engaged in discussions aimed at ending the conflict, which he finds "absurd." He perceives Trump's desire for peace as superficial, suggesting Putin aims to mislead Trump to prolong the war.

Being a native of the now Russian-occupied Luhansk region, Artem holds disappointment toward the US and Trump, feeling alienated as negotiations seem to jeopardize his homeland. He is skeptical about Putin’s willingness to exchange any part of Russia for Ukraine's territories but regards the Kursk offensive as crucial for defending the Ukrainian border.

Ukrainian cross-border operations continue, not only in Kursk but also in Belgorod, with Serhiy's assault battalion planning these actions, navigating Russian anti-tank obstacles. On a recent nighttime mission, Serhiy, under Belarusian citizenship yet choosing to fight for Ukraine, expressed justification for the incursions to create a defensive buffer against Russian territorial advances.

As they approached the border, Serhiy remained vigilant about potential threats, including glide bombs and drones with thermal cameras. His armoured vehicle is equipped with electronic countermeasures, though he acknowledges limitations against more sophisticated drone operations.

An original search for a damaged Bradley armoured vehicle was aborted due to intelligence of nearby Russian drone activity. Instead, Serhiy located another Bradley needing repairs. Even in the challenging environment, the commander confirmed their ongoing presence across the border, calling the situation "difficult, but we're holding on."

The recovery of the Bradley highlights Ukraine's dependence on US military resources, which might soon appear uncertain with Trump's shifting focus towards peace dialogues. Serhiy perceives manipulative negotiations happening without Ukraine's input, underscoring concerns about the lack of robust European support should the US step back.

He believes the absence of American assistance could lead to a quick ceasefire agreement unfavorable to Ukraine. Serhiy maintains that European nations alone lack the strength to resolve the current conflict, as their focus has been tethered to domestic economic issues rather than regional security.

Though Serhiy desires an end to the war, he shares a common sentiment among many Ukrainians: a yearning for peace must not come at any cost.