Chaos of Retreat: Ukrainian Soldiers Reflect on Their Withdrawal from Russia

Ukrainian soldiers share their experiences regarding a chaotic retreat from the Russian town of Sudzha, highlighting communication failures and expressing skepticism towards peace talks between global leaders.

As the dust settles from the tumultuous retreat of Ukrainian forces from the Russian-held town of Sudzha in the Kursk region, soldiers like Artem Kariakin share haunting tales of chaos and confusion. Just a week ago, Artem and his unit crisscrossed into Russian territory, carrying out operations before retreating in a hurried escape marked by disorder.

Artem recalls their last trip vividly, capturing footage of burnt vehicles along the road while a soldier armed with a shotgun scanned for incoming threats. They were fortunate as a loud explosion rocked their truck but failed to bring it to a halt, although nearby vehicles succumbed to the flames.

Reflecting on the retreat, Artem candidly admits, "It was pretty chaotic... the order to withdraw came too late." Tensions escalated further as reliance on Starlink satellite communication collapsed inside Russian territory, compounding the issues of coordination among units.

Despite the disarray, Artem views the offensives in Kursk as a tactical win that diverted Russian resources from other fronts. Nevertheless, he criticizes the depth of Ukraine's incursion into Russian soil, suggesting it was poorly planned with just one supply route.

While Artem and his comrades rushed to safety, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were engaged in discussions about a potential end to the conflict, which Artem finds preposterous. The soldier expresses disappointment in perceived U.S. complacency, especially regarding the fate of his hometown now under Russian control.

Fellow soldier Serhiy, born in Russia but now fighting for Ukraine, echoes Artem's sentiments while campaigning across the border on nighttime missions. Together with his battalion, they navigate minefields to conduct strategic incursions, all too aware of the dangers posed by drones and artillery.

Serhiy identifies Ukraine's need for ongoing U.S. military support while perceiving a shift in U.S. commitment as negotiations intensify. "If America doesn’t help Ukraine, a ceasefire will be agreed on terms greatly unfavorable to us," he warns, pointing to the lack of unity among European nations to fill potential gaps in support.

Both soldiers desire an end to the war but remain resolute that peace should not come at the cost of their homeland. The situation along the Ukrainian-Russian border remains fraught with challenges, as troops continue to brace for future operations amid uncertainty.