Ukrainian soldiers have shared harrowing experiences of their retreat from Russia’s Kursk region, describing relentless Russian drone attacks and heavy losses.
The intense battle unfolded as Russian forces launched a large-scale offensive to retake Kursk, backed by up to 70,000 troops, including around 12,000 North Korean soldiers. Ukrainian troops, outnumbered and overwhelmed, struggled to hold their ground.
One Ukrainian soldier, known as Volodymyr, revealed that Russian drones dominated the skies, making it nearly impossible to move during the day. The only major supply route from Sudzha to Ukraine’s Sumy region fell under Russian fire control, leaving Ukrainian forces vulnerable. Volodymyr recalled columns of Ukrainian equipment being destroyed as soldiers desperately tried to retreat.
Anton, another soldier stationed at the Kursk front headquarters, described the situation as “catastrophic.” He explained that Russia’s superior drone technology and more precise airstrikes gave them an edge. Ukrainian supply lines collapsed, cutting off access to weapons, ammunition, and basic necessities. Anton managed to escape Sudzha on foot, under the cover of darkness, but narrowly avoided death as Russian drones hovered overhead.
The Ukrainian withdrawal from Kursk marked a devastating loss. Russia announced on March 13 that it had regained full control of the region, with Ukrainian forces abandoning much of their Western-supplied equipment. Videos released by Russian bloggers showed destroyed Ukrainian tanks and armored vehicles left behind during the chaotic retreat.
Military analysts believe the defeat was inevitable, as Ukraine’s 12,000-strong force could not withstand Russia’s superior firepower and drone tactics. Ukrainian soldiers admitted that the Kursk front had become unsustainable and that continuing the fight would be futile.
This retreat deals a heavy blow to Ukraine’s military efforts, further weakening its position in the ongoing conflict.