Rosalind Evans
Ukraine’s recent offensive in the Kursk region has been hailed as a significant tactical achievement, boosting morale and marking a key strategic gain. However, the victory came at a high price, with intense battles, casualties, and relentless pressure from Russian forces. As Ukrainian soldiers share their stories, it becomes clear that the battle for Kursk is far from over, and the costs are mounting.
A Dangerous Mission in Kursk
Vasyl, a Ukrainian soldier, found himself deep in Russian territory when a drone attack nearly claimed his life. “It was rapid. We ran to the trees, and then there was a bang a meter or two away from me,” Vasyl recalled. Despite his injuries, Vasyl applied a tourniquet and escaped, later sharing his experience from Sumy, where he is recovering.
This incursion, launched by Kyiv, surprised Moscow and advanced rapidly into Russian territory. However, the campaign faced a counteroffensive from Russia, which, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, deployed significant forces to reclaim control. “Russia is sending a lot of troops and artillery (to Kursk),” Vasyl explained, highlighting the difficulty of holding the region against overwhelming odds.
Tactical Challenges and Heavy Casualties
The Kursk offensive was challenging and costly, with casualty rates comparable to other frontline battles. Soldiers like Vasyl questioned the timing of the incursion, especially when Ukraine was defending key towns in the east. “It will get more and more difficult. There will be more artillery fire, more soldiers, and very big battles,” Vasyl emphasized, echoing the determination of Ukrainian forces to keep pushing despite the losses.
Ukrainian officials reported that Moscow had sent 30,000 troops, including well-equipped Wagner mercenaries and Chechen forces. Vasyl’s commander, Dmytro, confirmed the presence of Wagner fighters, saying, “We found Wagner flags and insignia in the area.”
Boosting Morale Despite the Costs
Despite the heavy toll, the Kursk operation provided a much-needed morale boost for Ukraine. Soldiers described the satisfaction of striking back against Russian forces. “It was a good feeling. Russia is one of the biggest countries, but we showed we could attack their territory,” Vasyl said. Commander Dmytro expressed his exhilaration at seeing Ukrainian tanks engage Russian positions, adding, “F**k yes! That’s the feeling when I saw our tanks shooting.”
The operation’s strategic goals, outlined by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, included creating a security zone and boosting the morale of Ukraine’s troops. CIA director Bill Burns praised the offensive as a “significant tactical achievement” that exposed vulnerabilities in Russia’s military.
Overcoming Terrain and Communication Obstacles
Operating in unfamiliar territory added to the challenges. Fin, a sapper, described the difficulty of dismantling Russian defenses while navigating unknown terrain. “We spent two weeks inside Kursk, working nonstop,” he said, recounting his team’s exhaustion. Communication disruptions caused by GPS jamming further complicated the mission, with soldiers relying on Starlink, which sometimes failed in parts of Kursk.
One armored vehicle crew member shared his struggle navigating the area, saying, “We got lost and had to wait for our commander to find us.” Poor visibility and communication breakdowns led to accidents, such as a crash between two Ukrainian armored vehicles.
Facing Fear on the Frontlines
For soldiers like Vasyl, controlling fear is crucial to survival. Reflecting on his injury and the dangers of war, he said, “The most important thing when you are scared is to be in control.” Despite the challenges, Vasyl remains resolute in his duty to defend Ukraine, even with shrapnel still lodged in his body. “I’m not going to become a Russian from these pieces,” he joked, showing his unshaken resolve.
Ukraine’s Kursk offensive represents both a significant tactical victory and a reminder of the high cost of war. As soldiers like Vasyl and his comrades continue to fight on the frontlines, their courage and determination testify to Ukraine’s resilience. While the battle is far from over, the gains made in Kursk offer hope for the future as Ukraine proves it can strike back and defend its land.
