A commander of Russian special forces has been serving on multiple battlefronts in eastern Ukraine since joining Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago. He stated that the fiercest fighting he has experienced is now happening in Russia, as the Russian Army struggles to reclaim a small piece of national territory from Ukrainian forces. The ongoing battle for the occupied Russian town of Sudzha and its surrounding areas has unexpectedly become a focal point in the war over the fate of Ukraine. Both sides have committed a significant portion of their reserves to gain control of Sudzha, a county seat in the Kursk region.
The commander, known by his call sign Hades, leads around 200 men in Kursk and described the current battles as the most brutal he has seen during the operation. Kursk is seen as essential territory by both sides, with Ukraine hoping to use it as leverage in negotiations. President Putin is determined to push Ukraine out without making concessions, leading to a massive deployment of soldiers, including conscripts and North Korean allies.
Russian soldiers in Kursk anticipate even bloodier fighting ahead, with comparisons made to the intense battles in Bakhmut. Civilians trapped in the area are facing dire conditions, with limited supplies and escalating bombardment as the Russian forces close in on Sudzha. The situation has raised concerns about a potential humanitarian catastrophe.
The Russian invasion has also caused suffering on a larger scale in Ukraine, with civilian infrastructure being targeted. The impending assault on Sudzha has created fear among residents, with expectations of heavy casualties for soldiers and civilians alike. Reports from those who have escaped the area describe the challenges faced under Ukrainian occupation, with stories of loss, hardship, and survival against the backdrop of intense fighting.