As Ukrainian soldiers recount their hazardous exit from the Russian town of Sudzha, they unveil the complexities and challenges faced during a recent military retreat.
Ukraine's Soldiers Reflect on the Chaotic Retreat from Russia
Ukraine's Soldiers Reflect on the Chaotic Retreat from Russia
In the aftermath of a tumultuous retreat, Ukrainian soldiers share their experiences and frustrations over a disorganized withdrawal from Russian territory.
Until just last week, Artem Kariakin and his unit frequently crossed into the Russian town of Sudzha from Ukraine. He shares a video from their final mission, portraying the devastation left behind – abandoned military vehicles and civilian cars torched by conflict. With a shotgun poised for defense, a soldier scans for incoming Russian drones, as one suddenly approaches, striking their vehicle with minor sparks. Artem breathes a sigh of relief; the impact wasn’t powerful enough to halt their escape, unlike another truck nearby engulfed in flames.
Reflecting on their retreat, the 27-year-old soldier candidly admits it was "not well organized." "It was pretty chaotic," he reveals. "Many units left in disarray. I think the problem was the order to withdraw came too late." Communications issues compounded their struggles, as the Starlink satellite systems they depended upon malfunctioned within Russian territory.
Despite the disarray, Artem views the broader Kursk offensive as a strategic win. He believes it managed to redirect Russian forces from the eastern front. Many Ukrainian troops escaped the chaos, albeit often on foot. Artem expresses doubt about the depth of their incursion into Russian territory from last August, indicating it was overly ambitious, relying on one main supply route.
During Ukraine's retreat, notable global leaders like US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were engaged in discussions aimed at ending the war, a notion Artem finds "absurd." He perceives these dialogues as skewed; Trump aims to fulfill his peace promise while Putin seeks to perpetuate the conflict. For Artem, the situation is immensely frustrating. As a resident of the now Russian-occupied Luhansk region, he feels betrayed by foreign leaders negotiating away his homeland.
Artem is skeptical that Putin would ever concede Russian land in exchange for Ukraine’s territory, yet he acknowledges the significance of the Kursk offensive in safeguarding Ukraine's borders. Although Ukrainian forces retreated from Sudzha, they maintain a presence just beyond the border in Sumy, continuing to launch cross-border operations into both Kursk and Belgorod.
Accompanying Serhiy, an assault battalion planner, the challenges of nighttime missions near the frontlines are evident as they navigate through Russian minefields and anti-tank obstacles. Having been born in Russia and now holding Belarusian citizenship, Serhiy chose to fight for Ukraine, justifying incursions into his former homeland. He emphasizes that Russia aims to establish a buffer zone within Ukrainian territory.
As they approach the Russian border, Serhiy, driving an armored vehicle, identifies numerous threats: glide bombs, artillery, and enemy drones. His vehicle is equipped with electronic countermeasures, but he knows they won’t deter drones operated via fibre optic wires. His team had to divert from a search for a damaged Bradley armored vehicle due to Russian drone activity but successfully locates another stricken vehicle, already secured for repairs.
The retrieved Bradley serves as a stark reminder of Ukraine's reliance on US military support, a sentiment that feels increasingly precarious amid ongoing peace discussions led by Trump. Serhiy expresses concern about hidden negotiations that may undermine Ukraine's position, contemplating whether European nations can compensate for any diminished US backing.
Reflecting on European involvement, Serhiy remarks, "If America doesn't help Ukraine, then a ceasefire will be agreed soon - but on extremely unfavourable terms for Ukraine." He believes Europe lacks the military strength to navigate this complicated conflict alone, as nations prioritize economic stability over security needs.
Despite the ongoing violence, Serhiy and many Ukrainians yearn for peace, though with the caveat that it must not come at the cost of their territorial integrity.
