What's happened
Ukrainian troops are reportedly being pushed back from Kursk by Russian forces, now bolstered by North Korean troops. A senior Ukrainian officer revealed that Ukrainian forces are outnumbered and facing intensified drone attacks, while maintaining a disciplined withdrawal despite claims of chaos from Moscow.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- Ukrainian forces are reportedly outnumbered by Russian troops, with ratios of 3:1 to 6:1 in some areas.
- The use of drones by Russian forces has intensified, complicating Ukrainian withdrawals.
Tactical Implications
- The main retreat route for Ukrainian forces is under heavy surveillance from Russian drones, making it perilous for vehicles transporting troops and supplies.
- Despite claims of mass flight, Ukrainian troops are withdrawing in an organized manner, aiming to retain strategic positions for future negotiations.
Human Rights Concerns
- Reports of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war have emerged, raising serious concerns about the treatment of captured soldiers and the credibility of Russian promises regarding their safety.
- Ukrainian forces are expected to resist fiercely, driven by distrust of Russian assurances and the desire to protect their remaining territory.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, a senior Ukrainian officer described the dire situation, stating, "Our troops are mostly withdrawing in a disciplined way rather than fleeing in disarray." This contrasts with Russian claims of a chaotic retreat. The officer also highlighted the increasing use of drones, noting, "Huge swarms of Russian drones hover above the main retreat route for the Ukrainians."
In a separate report, the NY Post discussed the Kremlin's unconventional tactics, including the use of horses and donkeys for troop transport, suggesting a lack of resources. This has drawn ridicule from Ukrainian officials, who see it as a sign of desperation. Anton Gerashchenko remarked, "Rolling back to the times of the Russian Empire — complete with cavalry..."
These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complexities of the ongoing conflict, with both sides adapting to the evolving battlefield dynamics.
How we got here
The conflict has escalated over the past two weeks, with Russian forces increasing pressure on Ukrainian positions in Kursk. This follows Ukraine's earlier territorial gains in the region during the summer of 2024.
Go deeper
- What are the latest developments in the conflict?
- How are Ukrainian forces responding to the Russian advances?
- What are the implications of the reported POW executions?
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
