Silke Mayr Ukrainian Troops Struggle in Kursk OffensiveUkrainian soldiers describe the battle in Kursk as grim and exhausting, with no clear goal in sight. Many fear they might lose. The tone in their messages is dark, reflecting fatigue and frustration.
“The situation gets worse every day,” one soldier wrote. Another lamented, “Our land is not here.”
Since launching an offensive into Russia’s Kursk region four months ago, Ukrainian forces have faced relentless challenges. Soldiers, communicating through Telegram, share stories of dire weather, sleepless nights under heavy bombardment, and dwindling morale. Glide bombs, each weighing 3,000kg, add to their fears.
Struggles on the Front Line
The soldiers report constant retreats, with Russian forces regaining lost ground. “It’s only a matter of time,” wrote Pavlo, who described immense fatigue and a lack of rotation. New reinforcements, often middle-aged men transferred from other fronts without rest, arrive exhausted.
Complaints about poor leadership and insufficient equipment are common in war. However, these messages reveal widespread discontent and low motivation. Many doubt whether the operation’s initial goal—diverting Russian troops from Ukraine’s eastern front—has succeeded.
Orders now emphasize holding this small area of Russian territory until a potential change in U.S. leadership in January. Some soldiers speculate this territory might later be traded in negotiations. “No one knows what,” Pavlo said.
President Zelensky has acknowledged that both sides are watching U.S. politics closely. He suggested that Putin hopes to push Ukrainian forces out by January 20 to strengthen his position.
International support, including long-range weapons from the U.S., U.K., and France, has helped Ukraine strike deep into Russian territory. However, frontline soldiers see little impact. “We live and fight here and now,” Pavlo explained.
Doubts and Losses
Ukraine has already lost 40% of the land it seized in Kursk. Some soldiers feel misplaced, believing they should be defending eastern Ukraine rather than holding Russian forests.
“The key is not to capture but to hold,” Vadym admitted. Yet holding Kursk seems increasingly difficult. Despite claims of North Korean soldiers joining Russian forces in Kursk, Ukrainian troops say they have seen no evidence.
Soldiers have been instructed to capture North Korean fighters for interrogation, with promises of rewards. “It’s hard to find a Korean in a dark forest,” Pavlo joked.
Many see parallels between Kursk and earlier failed operations, such as the attempt to hold Krynky. That campaign cost Ukraine dearly, with heavy losses and little strategic gain. Some fear Kursk could end the same way.
Military analysts argue that Kursk remains vital. Serhiy Kuzan of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre believes the campaign drains Russian resources. “The longer we hold Kursk, the better,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of adequate support.
Kyiv’s commanders stand firm, claiming Kursk still yields military and political benefits. “Putin suffers heavy losses there,” one senior commander noted.
How long Ukrainian forces can endure depends on military feasibility. For now, they cling to Kursk, waiting for relief or a shift in strategy.