Chaos Amidst Retreat: Ukrainian Soldiers Reflect on Their Retreat from Russia

Artem Kariakin and his unit faced disarray during their recent retreat from the Russian town of Sudzha due to delayed orders and poor communications. While recognizing the need for strategic adjustments, they remain critical of international diplomacy, particularly involving Trump and Putin.

Ukrainian soldiers are sharing their chaotic experiences during a recent retreat from Russia's Kursk region, where they periodically crossed into the Russian town of Sudzha until last week. Artem Kariakin, a 27-year-old soldier, showed footage from their final operation as they navigated past numerous burned-out vehicles and faced aerial threats from Russian drones. Describing the retreat as "not well organised" and "chaotic," Artem pointed out that many units were in disarray due to a late withdrawal order coupled with communication breakdowns, particularly with Starlink satellite systems failing to operate within Russian territory.

Despite the tumult of their exit, Artem considers the broader Kursk offensive a success for Ukraine, as it forced Russian forces to divert attention from the eastern front. However, he criticized the scope of the incursion, arguing it relied too heavily on a singular supply route. Concurrently, discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin raised eyebrows for Artem; he expressed disbelief at the notion of serious negotiations to end the conflict.

Artem, displaced from his home in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, expressed disappointment with the stance of U.S. leadership, feeling they were willing to surrender his homeland. Meanwhile, as the withdrawal unfolded, Serhiy, a soldier with Belarusian citizenship, indicated that they continue to launch cross-border incursions, asserting that they face a combination of dangers, including mines and advanced drone technology.

On a nighttime mission close to the Russian border, Serhiy emphasized the ever-present threats, while maneuvering through a war zone marked by recent air strikes. Despite finding and recovering a damaged U.S.-made Bradley armored vehicle, the uncertainties surrounding U.S. military support loomed large. Serhiy voiced concerns that without America’s backing, Europe might struggle to fill the void in Ukraine’s security needs, potentially leading to a ceasefire that could compromise Ukrainian interests.

As both soldiers navigate the tumultuous battlefront, the call for peace resonates, though they all agree it must not be achieved at the cost of their national integrity.