**Ukrainian Troops in Kursk Face Bleak Conditions**
Soldiers fighting in the Russian region of Kursk are struggling to make sense of their mission. They’re facing terrible weather, constant bombardment by Russia‘s military, and a lack of sleep. The situation is getting worse every day.
One soldier, Pavlo, said they’re in retreat, with Russian forces taking back territory. He warned that the trend will continue: “It’s only a matter of time.” Pavlo spoke of immense fatigue, caused by a lack of rotation and the arrival of new units with little rest.
The soldiers are also frustrated with their commanding officers and equipment shortages. They’re not optimistic about their chances of success. Some question whether the initial goal of diverting Russian forces from Ukraine’s eastern front was achieved.
**Unclear Goals and Frustration**
The soldiers’ messages paint a bleak picture. They feel they’re in the wrong place, fighting on someone else’s land. Pavlo said: “Our place should have been there [in eastern Ukraine], not here in someone else’s land.” He expressed frustration that they’re not being supported with enough resources.
Despite efforts by Western powers to help Ukraine, the soldiers don‘t feel a difference. They’re more concerned about their own safety and well-being than the impact of missiles on distant targets.
**Concerns About Motivation and Losses**
The losses in Kursk are significant. Russia has occupied an estimated 500 sq km of Ukrainian territory since October alone. Ukraine has already lost around 40% of the territory it seized in August.
Vadym, a soldier, said: “The key is not to capture but to hold.” However, they admitted that Ukraine is struggling with this task. Some soldiers feel that the Kursk campaign is no longer vital and that their efforts would be better spent on the eastern front.
**Concerns About Foreign Troops**
There are reports that North Korean troops have been sent to Kursk to support Russia’s counter-offensive. However, the soldiers we spoke to have not encountered them. Vadym said: “I haven’t seen or heard anything about Koreans, alive or dead.”
The Ukrainian military has released recordings of alleged North Korean radio communications. The soldiers are being told to capture a North Korean prisoner, but it seems unlikely.
**Parallels with Previous Failures**
Some veterans see parallels between the Kursk campaign and previous failed operations, such as the bridgehead at Krynky. They fear that Ukraine might be repeating mistakes and that the Kursk operation could ultimately fail.
Military analysts argue that the Kursk campaign continues to play an important role. However, they acknowledge that Ukrainian forces are experiencing incredibly difficult conditions. The longer Ukraine can hold this front, with adequate equipment and support, the better.
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