Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Russia’s Kursk region describe an increasingly bleak and demoralizing situation. Their accounts, shared via Telegram, reveal exhaustion, poor conditions, and dwindling hope. Soldiers struggle to understand their mission, with many fearing they are losing ground.

Pavlo, a soldier stationed in Kursk, wrote on November 26, “The situation worsens daily.” He described immense fatigue, insufficient rest, and relentless Russian bombardments, including powerful 3,000kg glide bombs. Russian forces are steadily reclaiming territory, leaving Ukrainian troops to retreat.

Clinging to Kursk Amid Waning Morale

The operation initially aimed to draw Russian troops away from Ukraine’s eastern front. However, some soldiers doubt its success. Orders now emphasize holding this territory until January, when a potential change in U.S. leadership could reshape strategies.

“Our task is to hold as much land as possible until Trump’s inauguration,” Pavlo said. This goal fuels uncertainty about the mission’s purpose. President Zelensky recently suggested that both sides are considering the implications of the U.S. transition.

Harsh winter weather compounds the challenges, as troops endure shortages in equipment and frequent rotation. Soldiers express frustration, especially about leadership decisions and resource allocation. “We talk about family, rotation, and survival,” said Myroslav, highlighting their disconnection from broader goals like missile strikes far from the front lines.

Struggling to Hold Kursk

Russia’s slow but steady progress in eastern Ukraine emphasizes the strategic importance of holding Kursk. In October, Russia seized 500 sq km of Ukrainian land. Meanwhile, Ukraine lost 40% of the territory it initially captured in Kursk.

Vadym, another soldier, acknowledged the campaign’s value, stating, “It diverted Russian forces from key regions like Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv.” However, many soldiers feel misplaced, believing their efforts should focus on defending Ukraine’s eastern front.

Veterans of past operations, like the failed bridgehead at Krynky, see parallels in Kursk. They fear a repeat of high casualties for limited gains. “Good idea, bad execution,” Myroslav said, calling the operation a distraction without military success.

Holding Out Against the Odds

Military analysts argue that Kursk’s campaign still serves a purpose. Serhiy Kuzan, of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre, noted, “It’s the only area where we maintain the initiative.” He emphasized that Russia’s focus on Kursk diverts its resources from other critical fronts.

Ukrainian commanders remain committed to the operation, highlighting the heavy losses inflicted on Russian forces. “This frustrates Putin,” a senior official said. Despite this, soldiers on the ground face relentless challenges, questioning how long they can endure.

“For now, we hold,” a commander concluded, “but only as long as it remains militarily feasible.”