Ukrainian Soldier Claims Russia Left Only Kids and Conscripts to Defend Borders

Last week, Ukrainian forces executed a surprise assault on Russia’s Kursk region, catching the Russian military off guard. This unexpected move has allowed Ukraine to claim control of nearly 400 square miles of territory, prompting the Kremlin to declare a state of emergency in the affected area.

A deputy commander from the Ukrainian squad involved in the operation told The Wall Street Journal that they were surprised by the minimal resistance encountered. The commander, who uses the call sign “Pokemon,” noted that many Russian soldiers in the region appeared to be inexperienced, stating, “They were mainly kids doing their mandatory service.” He revealed that among the three prisoners captured was the youngest, just 19 years old.

The commander expressed that morale was generally high among the troops. In Russia, males aged 18 to 30 are obligated to serve one year in the military, a policy that was altered last year when the upper age limit increased from 27.

Interestingly, the Ukrainian commander admitted to learning about the Kursk operation shortly before it commenced. The military had clearly gone to great lengths to maintain the mission’s secrecy. A report by The New York Times indicated that a research institute associated with Ukraine’s military had studied historical invasions and concluded that successful operations are often those that remain confidential until execution.

A deputy brigade commander mentioned that the majority of senior military personnel were given just three days of notice prior to the assault, while lower-ranking soldiers were informed only one day ahead of time. This level of operational secrecy contrasts sharply with the warnings and video teasers that preceded previous military endeavors.

In an analysis, Mick Ryan, a retired Australian major general and war analyst, pointed out that Ukraine’s recent operation took many by surprise, including both Russia and Western observers. This successful approach differs significantly from Ukraine’s earlier counteroffensive attempts last year, which were met with limited success, reclaiming only around 200 square miles of territory after initial gains in the southern regions.

This time, many military analysts believed Ukraine lacked sufficient forces to mount such an offensive. Patrick Bury from the University of Bath highlighted that there was skepticism regarding Ukraine’s capability to launch a renewed attack.

The exact level of Russian awareness regarding the impending assault remains unclear. Russian military expert Vladislav Shurygin asserted in a Telegram post that military commanders had overlooked intelligence reports indicating preparations by Ukraine and failed to activate defense protocols. Similarly, Sergei Markov, a political analyst with ties to the Kremlin, acknowledged flaws in the intelligence system, suggesting that the leadership received warnings but did not take any action. He emphasized that such missteps reflect poorly on President Putin, noting it as a significant blow to his authority.

Estonian security expert Rainer Saks also commented on the situation, stating that the successful Ukrainian incursion was largely due to the Russian military’s lack of preparedness, both in command and political leadership. This unanticipated offensive raises questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s military intelligence and readiness in facing unexpected threats.

As both Ukrainian and Russian officials have not yet responded to inquiries for comments, the implications of this surprising military maneuver in the Kursk region continue to unfold.