Ukrainian forces push into Kursk: Local perspectives and responses

In the last few days, Ukraine launched an attack on Russian territory. As a result of the military actions, Ukrainian forces occupied several localities, including strategically essential border areas. What is the current situation in the Kursk region? YouTuber Vyacheslav Zarutsky spoke with a region resident who answered questions posed by Poles.

The attack on the Kursk region began on August 6, which was undoubtedly one of the boldest moves of this war, especially from the Ukrainian side. Ukrainian armed forces were reported to have occupied approximately 1,000 square kilometres of Russian territory in the following days.

The offensive on enemy territory aimed to destabilize Russian positions and put pressure on Russia, exposing its weaknesses in defending its own land. The plan is currently being executed, as the Russians were reportedly forced to bring units fighting in Ukraine back to the Kursk region.

This is also about showing the Russians what war on their own territory is like, and I think those objectives have already been achieved – said former GROM unit commander, Gen. Roman Polko, in an interview with fronda.pl.

Known YouTuber Vyacheslav Zarutsky (a Russian who fled to Poland) reported on his channel that a relative from Kursk reached out to him. Taking the opportunity, Zarutsky decided to ask him questions from his viewers. Initially, he wanted to do it via video call for more credibility, but the resident of Kursk refused. He stated it was "dangerous" for him – he was afraid he would have to explain to the police why he spoke with a YouTuber. Ultimately, he agreed to answer in written form.

It should be noted that not all the answers from the Kursk resident were evident and understandable. The YouTuber translated them using an online translator, so the statements sometimes left much to be desired. Nevertheless, the meaning of the statements was preserved. The Russian's relative is steeped in Russian propaganda.

One of the internet users asked what life is like in Kursk now, how they help refugees, and how the authorities perceive this war. The respondent answered that "people and volunteers bring food to TAC and distribute it to those in need." In his opinion, there is enough food for everyone. He also added that those who had relatives in Kursk went to them.

10,000 rubles (CAD 155) were paid out, but the problem is that if you left voluntarily without evacuation, you are not entitled to the 10,000 rubles because you left on your own accord. Those who were evacuated will get the money. Yes, many left on their own and won't get the money. We also don't like that the government did this, but it is war, and in war, there are difficulties - added the Kursk resident.

In one of the questions, the internet user referenced someone who "left under fire and was evacuated to Kursk." He asked whether the respondent knew anything about it and how Ukrainian soldiers treated them.

She left before the Ukrainians entered the village, but she is in contact with friends who stayed there and with relatives. We were surprised, but so far, no one has touched them. Russian flags were taken down, but Ukrainian flags have not been raised everywhere (...) Residents are praying that they will be freed soon. Generally speaking, Ukrainians do not talk to the local population at all - replied the Kursk resident.

The conversation also reveals that steeped in Kremlin propaganda to the core, the Russian is confident of Vladimir Putin's victory, and the current situation in Kursk - as he claims - is "only a temporary phenomenon".

We're doing well, we will win! The fact that you are happy that the Ukrainian army broke through our borders is only a temporary phenomenon. We already have a lot of military equipment coming to our aid, so next week we will regain our lands and continue to liberate Ukraine from the Nazis - insisted the Kursk resident.

The YouTuber asked how he sees the potential for victory. Will Russia want to take all of Ukraine? The respondent replied that "if it weren't for the West, they would have long ago liberated Ukraine from the Nazis (as the propaganda calls the attacked Ukrainians - ed.), and victory will be when Russia liberates the eastern territories of the country".

It would be good to take all of Ukraine for ourselves, because it is part of our country, but first, we will liberate the eastern part, and then, as our president decides, so it will be. In any case, victory will be ours. One should not hope that we will lose this war - the Russian assured.

"A perfect example of a television instead of a brain," "I sympathize with you, Vyacheslav because of your family who have blinders on, and I respect you for seeing the truth and not getting caught up in the gears of war," "This interview sounded like something out of a sci-fi horror movie. Earthlings ask an alien about their mission, and he says he has one goal: to destroy Earth and humans. It's indeed a different mental dimension."

- Poles wrote in the comments below the video.