"Ukrainian Troops Describe Harrowing Retreat from Kursk Amid Intense Russian Offensive"

Ukrainian soldiers have provided chilling accounts of their retreat from Kursk, marked by dramatic scenes of chaos and destruction. With heavy losses and shifting dynamics on the battlefield, they report a catastrophic withdrawal under relentless drone attacks and poor supply conditions.

Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Russia's Kursk region have shared harrowing accounts of their retreat, describing the experience as akin to a "horror movie" amidst overwhelming Russian forces. The soldiers have recounted a "catastrophic" withdrawal plagued by intense fire, the destruction of military equipment, and a relentless barrage of Russian drones.

Operating under aliases for their safety, these troops issued chilling statements via social media about the chaos and fear that engulfed the region. They spoke of a significant collapse when Ukraine lost Sudzha, the largest town that it previously held.

Volodymyr, one of the soldiers, reported on March 9 that panic was widespread in Sudzha. He noted that Ukrainian troops were attempting to retreat amid columns of military vehicles being destroyed by Russian drones. The only escape route, which had previously been secure, was now heavily contested and largely under Russian fire control. Volodymyr indicated that around three to four drones were frequently observed in the sky, posing a severe threat to any movement.

By March 11, Maksym detailed the grim reality of the situation, mentioning that Russian forces — reportedly bolstered by North Korean soldiers — were advancing to reclaim Kursk. He emphasized the impact of advanced drone technology being used by Russia to disrupt Ukraine's logistics and bombarding retreating troops.

Another soldier, Anton, described the critical state of logistics on the same day, stating that organized supply channels had collapsed and were no longer operational. He expressed the dire situation, predicting the imminent loss of Ukraine's foothold in the region. His comments echoed sentiments that Ukraine’s recent military gains had become unsustainable under current conditions.

Dmytro further elaborated on the chaos, likening the retreat to “a scene from a horror movie” with roads strewn with the wreckage of vehicles and soldiers’ casualties mounting. His close call with a targeting drone underlined the peril faced by retreating troops, who were forced to hide for hours before being rescued.

However, not all reports were pessimistic. Artem, recuperating in a military hospital, remained defiant, asserting that Ukrainian forces were continuing to put up resistance elsewhere in the region, achieving minor successes and maintaining a buffer against Russian advances.

Despite fluctuating claims of success and loss, Ukraine's high command has asserted that their forces have repositioned to more advantageous locations, insisting that the fight for Kursk continues, albeit under significantly altered circumstances. Meanwhile, military analysts warn that Ukraine has lost substantial ground, complicating any hope of strategic gains in the conflict. As the situation unfolds, President Zelensky remains optimistic about the operational impact of the Kursk offensive, though the human and logistical costs are yet to be fully understood.