The Ukrainian retreat from Russia’s Kursk region has been described by soldiers as a “horror movie” as they struggled to escape relentless Russian drone attacks and artillery fire. Ukrainian troops, some of the country’s most elite forces, faced overwhelming enemy firepower, logistical nightmares, and a shifting battlefield that ultimately led to the loss of key positions, including the strategic town of Sudzha.
Drones Dominate the Battlefield
Soldiers who spoke anonymously to the BBC painted a grim picture of their withdrawal. “Volodymyr,” a Ukrainian soldier, detailed how Russian drones operated around the clock, making movement nearly impossible. “You can see two to three drones in one minute. That’s a lot,” he said. Russia’s use of kamikaze drones and fiber-optic-controlled variants, which are immune to electronic jamming, crippled Ukrainian logistics and forced retreating troops into perilous situations.
Destruction and Chaos
By March 11, Ukraine’s last supply routes were under Russian fire control. “Maksym,” another soldier, described Ukrainian vehicles being systematically destroyed, leading to severe congestion on evacuation routes. Russia reportedly amassed 70,000 troops, including 12,000 North Koreans, and deployed its most advanced drone units to the Kursk front. Ukrainian forces, despite their western-supplied tanks and armored vehicles, could not withstand the intensity of Russian attacks.
“Anton,” a soldier stationed at headquarters, described how Ukrainian logistics had collapsed. “There is no more organized delivery of weapons, ammunition, food, or water.” Forced to flee Sudzha on foot under the cover of night, he narrowly escaped drone attacks.
A Pyrrhic Victory?
Despite Ukraine’s losses, “Artem,” a wounded soldier, highlighted the resilience of Ukrainian troops near Loknya, where fierce resistance continues. However, military analysts suggest that Ukraine has lost two-thirds of the 1,000 sq/km it initially gained.
President Zelensky defended the operation, stating it forced Russia to divert troops from the eastern front. However, the true cost remains uncertain, with thousands of Ukrainian soldiers reported dead since the offensive began in August. The future of Ukraine’s foothold in Kursk remains in doubt as Russia tightens its grip on the region.
