Kursk operation has been more challenging than reported, Ukrainian soldier says

Ukrainian soldier Ihor Sholtys reveals that the surprise Kursk operation not only exposed Russian vulnerabilities but also uplifted the spirit of troops, as Ukraine secures new ground near Sumy Oblast.

Sep 19, 2024 - 05:00

Kursk operation has been more challenging than reported, Ukrainian soldier says

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In the latest interview, Ukrainian soldier Ihor Sholtys told UkrInform that the Kursk operation boosted the spirit within the Ukrainian military and sparked positive emotions among many soldiers, not just those directly involved.

The Kursk incursion, which began early last month, took both the Russians and Ukraine’s allies by surprise, revealing weaknesses in Russia’s military despite its advantage in manpower and equipment.

Ukraine secured a portion of Russian territory near Sumy Oblast, pushing Russian artillery out of range and halting cross-border shelling on nearby communities.

According to Sholtys, fighting on Russian territory, which has been unimaginable from a political and diplomatic standpoint, has become a reality.

“I liked the information silence that was maintained within the Defense Forces. We, like other airborne assault troops and other units, were headed for recovery in Sumy Oblast, not knowing about the offensive in the Kursk Oblast,” said the Ukrainian soldier.

During the offensive, he said, the most challenging part was maintaining communication between various combat units, as there was a high risk of being hit by friendly fire from forces that had already entered Russian territory.

Sholtys said the situation was more challenging than portrayed by the media. The best defenders are lost in any combat operation, and the same happened during the Kursk operation.

“If anyone reports in the media that the enemy did not resist, that’s a lie and a direct undervaluation of the Defense Forces’ contribution during this operation,” Sholtys emphasized.

The Ukrainian soldier and his team are currently carrying out tasks on the Kursk front. In 2015, Sholtys served in Pisky, Donetsk Oblast, where he sustained a severe injury. He returned to the front during the all-out war in February 2022.

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