Ukraine keeps more troops in the Kursk region than in southern Donbas and rotates them more frequently – military

The size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in Russia’s Kursk region surpasses the forces opposing the Russian army in southern Donbas.

This was reported by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, citing Ukrainian military personnel.

“Sumy region serves as the rear for a three-month operation that allowed Kyiv’s forces to occupy parts of Russia’s Kursk region. Soldiers interviewed at the end of October in this area claim that if there is anything they need, it is more weapons. Their troop numbers clearly surpass the brigades retreating in southern Donetsk,” the article states.

Meanwhile, “in Kursk, no one complains about a shortage of personnel.” For example, rotations within the State Border Service platoon, commanded by one of the newspaper’s interviewees, Vadym, occur every 10 days, although initially, rotations were every three days. Meanwhile, in fighting zones in Donbas regions such as Kurakhove, infantry is expected to remain on the front line for an average of 25 days, according to soldiers from four brigades.

Russia has regained a third of the lost territories in its region, but this progress is modest compared to current advances in Donetsk region. The “gray zone” in Kursk, where neither side holds dominance, remains particularly broad, with the Ukrainian side continuing to hold the initiative in the offensive.

Calculations by the Ukrainian General Staff indicate that Russia has deployed 45,000 soldiers for a counteroffensive to regain control of the Kursk region. According to estimates by interviewed servicemen, about half of these soldiers are recent conscripts, meaning they lack combat experience.

Sergeant Yaroslav of the 225th Separate Assault Battalion stated that the mission in Kursk aims to “demonstrate that Russia is weak and cannot defend its territory.”

Yesterday, The Washington Post reported that Russia has amassed a 50,000-strong group in the Kursk region, including North Korean troops.