Ukrainian soldiers who recently retreated from Russia’s Kursk region have recounted a harrowing experience, describing the withdrawal as “catastrophic” and akin to a “horror movie.”
Facing relentless Russian drone attacks and heavy artillery fire, the troops struggled to escape as military columns were destroyed on the roads. The BBC gathered firsthand accounts from several Ukrainian soldiers, who spoke under aliases to protect their identities.
One soldier, Volodymyr ,described the dire situation in Sudzha, the largest town Ukraine held in the Kursk region. In a Telegram message sent on 9 March, he reported “panic and collapse” as Ukrainian forces attempted to flee. The main route connecting Sudzha to Ukraine’s Sumy region became a death trap, with constant drone surveillance and strikes making movement nearly impossible.
According to Volodymyr, Russian drones filled the skies at all hours, making every attempt to retreat perilous. “In one minute, you can see two to three drones. That’s a lot,” he explained. He added that Ukrainian forces had relied on a single highway for logistics and movement, a vulnerability that Russian troops exploited.
Despite knowing the importance of the Sudzha-Sumy road, Ukrainian commanders appeared unprepared for the Russian assault. “Everyone knew the Russians would try to cut it. But this again came as a surprise to our command,” Volodymyr lamented. By 9 March, Russian forces had gained control over key positions, pressing Ukrainian troops from three sides.
Eyewitness accounts describe the chaotic withdrawal, with soldiers attempting to evacuate under relentless fire. Some convoys were obliterated before reaching safety, as Russian forces used drones to track and strike retreating units. Soldiers spoke of the psychological toll, with morale plummeting as the reality of the situation set in.
Ukraine has imposed restrictions on travel to the front, making it difficult to independently verify the full scale of the retreat. However, multiple testimonies confirm that the situation in Kursk deteriorated rapidly, with Ukrainian troops struggling against an overwhelming enemy advantage.
The loss of Sudzha marks a significant setback for Ukraine in the region, further complicating its defensive efforts. Russian forces have continued their offensive, aiming to push deeper into Ukrainian-controlled territory.
As the war rages on, Ukrainian soldiers remain in a perilous position, facing an enemy with superior resources and relentless drone warfare capabilities. The retreat from Kursk underscores the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces on the battlefield.
