Ukrainian troops, including Artem Kariakin and Serhiy, share first-hand accounts of their chaotic withdrawal from Russian territory, highlighting both operational challenges and the ongoing complexities of the conflict as political leaders seek peace.
Ukrainian Soldiers Reflect on Chaotic Withdrawal from Russia
Ukrainian Soldiers Reflect on Chaotic Withdrawal from Russia
In exclusive interviews, frontline soldiers recount the disorganized retreat from Sudzha amid ongoing conflicts and international negotiations.
Article Text:
Just over a week ago, Artem Kariakin and his unit were routinely crossing the border into Russia's Sudzha. As they retreated from Russia's Kursk region, Artem displayed a video of their final journey. It captured the remnants of a battlefield, littered with burnt military and civilian vehicles. A soldier, armed only with a shotgun, scanned the horizon, vigilant for approaching Russian drones. Suddenly, one buzzed close, but they managed to escape unscathed, unlike a nearby truck engulfed in flames.
Reflecting on their chaotic retreat from Sudzha, Ukraine’s largest stronghold in Kursk, Artem described it as "not well organized." He mentioned that many units left in disarray and attributed this to a late withdrawal order. The communication breakdown due to malfunctioning Starlink systems inside Russia exacerbated the situation.
Although he recognizes the disorder, the 27-year-old soldier remains optimistic, labeling the Kursk offensive a success for its ability to compel Russia to redirect its forces from the east. Despite the chaos, most of Ukraine's troops withdrew in time, albeit often by foot.
Artem commented on a simultaneous phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing his disbelief at their discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. He finds the discourse "absurd," doubting Putin's willingness to negotiate meaningfully while lamenting US intentions toward their homeland.
Undeterred, Artem still perceives the incursion into Russian territory last August as necessary for Ukraine's defense. While Ukrainian troops have retreated, they maintain a stronghold at the border with Sumy and continue operations targeting Russian regions, including Belgorod.
Joining him is Serhiy, who leads an assault battalion planning cross-border raids through Russian obstacles. The former Russian-born soldier, now a Ukrainian citizen, justifies these incursions as crucial to safeguard Ukraine's territories.
Driving a Ukrainian-made armored vehicle, Serhiy remains cognizant of numerous threats, including drones and artillery, as they approach within 10 kilometers of the border. Despite deploying counter-measures against drones, he fears some cannot be countered. The evening search for a damaged Bradley armored vehicle faced interruptions from intelligence alerts of Russian drones in the area.
The mission ultimately shifted to another broken-down vehicle, with Serhiy navigating treacherous paths littered with evidence of recent airstrikes. When they successfully locate the Bradley, its commander affirms ongoing battles within Russian territory, describing conditions as "difficult, but we're holding on."
The Bradley incident underscores Ukraine's reliance on US military aid, a commitment that may shift as Trump emphasizes peace negotiations. Serhiy warned that without US involvement, a ceasefire might occur under unfavorable conditions for Ukraine. He doubts European nations can adequately fill any potential gaps, suggesting they lack the necessary strength and focus on security.
As the conflict continues, both Artem and Serhiy express a shared desire for peace, though they affirm not at any cost. Their stories illuminate the dire complexities faced by soldiers amidst the tumultuous landscape of war, politics, and uncertain alliances.
Just over a week ago, Artem Kariakin and his unit were routinely crossing the border into Russia's Sudzha. As they retreated from Russia's Kursk region, Artem displayed a video of their final journey. It captured the remnants of a battlefield, littered with burnt military and civilian vehicles. A soldier, armed only with a shotgun, scanned the horizon, vigilant for approaching Russian drones. Suddenly, one buzzed close, but they managed to escape unscathed, unlike a nearby truck engulfed in flames.
Reflecting on their chaotic retreat from Sudzha, Ukraine’s largest stronghold in Kursk, Artem described it as "not well organized." He mentioned that many units left in disarray and attributed this to a late withdrawal order. The communication breakdown due to malfunctioning Starlink systems inside Russia exacerbated the situation.
Although he recognizes the disorder, the 27-year-old soldier remains optimistic, labeling the Kursk offensive a success for its ability to compel Russia to redirect its forces from the east. Despite the chaos, most of Ukraine's troops withdrew in time, albeit often by foot.
Artem commented on a simultaneous phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing his disbelief at their discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. He finds the discourse "absurd," doubting Putin's willingness to negotiate meaningfully while lamenting US intentions toward their homeland.
Undeterred, Artem still perceives the incursion into Russian territory last August as necessary for Ukraine's defense. While Ukrainian troops have retreated, they maintain a stronghold at the border with Sumy and continue operations targeting Russian regions, including Belgorod.
Joining him is Serhiy, who leads an assault battalion planning cross-border raids through Russian obstacles. The former Russian-born soldier, now a Ukrainian citizen, justifies these incursions as crucial to safeguard Ukraine's territories.
Driving a Ukrainian-made armored vehicle, Serhiy remains cognizant of numerous threats, including drones and artillery, as they approach within 10 kilometers of the border. Despite deploying counter-measures against drones, he fears some cannot be countered. The evening search for a damaged Bradley armored vehicle faced interruptions from intelligence alerts of Russian drones in the area.
The mission ultimately shifted to another broken-down vehicle, with Serhiy navigating treacherous paths littered with evidence of recent airstrikes. When they successfully locate the Bradley, its commander affirms ongoing battles within Russian territory, describing conditions as "difficult, but we're holding on."
The Bradley incident underscores Ukraine's reliance on US military aid, a commitment that may shift as Trump emphasizes peace negotiations. Serhiy warned that without US involvement, a ceasefire might occur under unfavorable conditions for Ukraine. He doubts European nations can adequately fill any potential gaps, suggesting they lack the necessary strength and focus on security.
As the conflict continues, both Artem and Serhiy express a shared desire for peace, though they affirm not at any cost. Their stories illuminate the dire complexities faced by soldiers amidst the tumultuous landscape of war, politics, and uncertain alliances.
