UKRAIN- The battlefield in Russia’s Kursk region has turned into a nightmare for Russian forces as relentless Ukrainian drone strikes continue to dismantle their positions. Harrowing images shared by Russian soldiers depict their decimated armoured vehicles and the bodies of their fallen comrades. One young soldier, visibly shaken, describes the horror they have endured for four consecutive days, unable to advance as Ukrainian forces maintain constant pressure with their drones.
Russian troops lament their helplessness against Ukraine’s superior drone warfare, which not only prevents their movement but also ensures continuous targeting. The footage, now widely circulated, shows multiple destroyed armoured vehicles, painting a grim picture of the state of Russian forces in the area.
The Ukrainian military has also exposed disturbing evidence of Russian troops being forced back into combat despite serious injuries. Footage analysed by Ukrainian experts shows wounded Russian soldiers—some barely able to walk, others using crutches—being sent into battle. One video shows a soldier struggling to fend off a Ukrainian drone using only a crutch, while another clip reveals a wounded Russian crawling across the ground, clearly in no condition to fight.
Reports from Russian sources confirm the systematic practice of forcing injured personnel into combat. A soldier who was previously hospitalised in Yekaterinburg was dragged from his bed despite having an open leg wound and a missing finger. He was reportedly forced into an ambulance and sent directly to the front lines. The disturbing images, shared on multiple Telegram channels, indicate that this is not an isolated incident but rather a widespread and cruel practice.
As Ukraine continues to dominate the battlefield with precision drone strikes, it has achieved another significant milestone by destroying a North Korean self-propelled artillery unit in the Luhansk region. The Ukrainian 412th Separate Regiment of Unmanned Systems, known as ‘Nemesis’, confirmed the destruction of the North Korean-made artillery, marking the first time such equipment has been eliminated in combat.
Military analysts point out that the presence of North Korean weaponry in Ukraine is a worrying sign of Moscow’s reliance on foreign military aid. The self-propelled artillery was identified by a Ukrainian drone, which detected its heat signature before launching a targeted strike. This revelation confirms that North Korean heavy weapons, initially promised to Russia, are not only being used in the Khasan region but also in eastern Ukraine, where the Russian army desperately tries to maintain its foothold.
Despite North Korean reinforcements, Russia has failed to improve its position on the battlefield. The Ukrainian Centre for Defence Strategies reports that Russian forces have intensified their offensive near Kupiansk, crossing the Oskil River and advancing towards key supply lines. However, Ukrainian counterattacks have successfully repelled these efforts, preventing Russian troops from securing their objectives.
Ukraine’s military advantage has been further demonstrated in the battle for Kotelna, where Ukrainian forces have launched strategic counterattacks against Russian units. By employing precise ambushes, drone strikes, and armoured assaults, Ukrainian troops have forced the struggling Russian forces to retreat. Russia’s attempts to seize control of the critical P07 highway have been consistently undermined by Ukrainian resistance.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have successfully reinforced their positions in southern Kotelna, using swift armoured vehicle deployments to rotate troops and maintain pressure on Russian forces. Unlike their Russian counterparts, who struggle with supply issues and a lack of secure river crossings, Ukrainian troops have access to superior logistics, allowing them to execute well-coordinated attacks.
Heavy Ukrainian military equipment, including Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers, and tanks, have played a pivotal role in repelling Russian assaults. These assets have given Ukraine an advantage in both firepower and mobility, further exposing the Russian military’s weaknesses.
Meanwhile, Russian forces are increasingly resorting to desperate measures, deploying small infantry groups with minimal support in a futile attempt to maintain control. As Ukrainian forces rotate fresh troops and leverage superior technology, Russian units are left exhausted, wounded, and unable to sustain their positions.
Military analysts predict that Russia’s offensive capabilities in these key regions are on the verge of collapse. As time drags on, Ukrainian forces continue to erode Russian positions, forcing Moscow’s troops into a defensive stance.
