Ukrainian forces push deep into Kursk, Russian defenses falter

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 are reported to have occupied up to 400 square miles of Russian territory in the following days.

The offensive aimed to destabilize Russian positions and pressure Russia, exposing its weaknesses in defending its territory. The plan is currently being realized, as the Russians were allegedly forced to pull units fighting in Ukraine back to the Kursk region.

The goal is also to show the Russians what war on their own territory feels like, and I think these goals have already been achieved – said former GROM unit commander, General Roman Polko, in an interview with fronda.pl.

Renowned YouTuber Vyacheslav Zarucky, a Russian who fled to Poland, reported on his channel that a relative from Kursk contacted him. Taking the opportunity, Zarucky decided to ask him questions from his viewers. Initially, he wanted to conduct a video call to make it more credible, but the Kursk resident refused. He said it was "dangerous" for him, fearing he would have to explain to the police why he was talking to a YouTuber. Ultimately, he agreed to answer in writing.

It should be noted that not all of the Kursk resident's answers were clear and understandable. The YouTuber translated them through a translator, resulting in statements that sometimes left much to be desired. Nevertheless, the gist of the responses was preserved. Zarucky's relative is steeped in Russian propaganda.

One of the internet users asked what life is currently like in Kursk, how they help refugees, and how the authorities perceive this war. The respondent answered, "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 stay with them.

10,000 rubles ($110) were paid out, but the problem is that if you left on your own without evacuation, you are not entitled to 10,000 rubles because you left of your own will. Those who were evacuated will get the money. Yes, many people left on their own and won't get the money. We don't like it either that the government did this, but this is war, and there are difficulties in war – added the Kursk resident.

In one of the questions, an internet user referred to a person who "left under fire and was evacuated to Kursk." He asked if there was any news about this and how Ukrainian soldiers treated them.

She left before the Ukrainians entered the village, but she is in contact with friends who stayed 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 put up everywhere. Residents pray to be freed soon. Generally speaking, Ukrainians do not talk to the local population – the Kursk resident replied.

The conversation also revealed that the Russian, deeply ingrained with Kremlin propaganda, is confident in Vladimir Putin's victory, and the current situation in Kursk – as he claims – is "only a temporary phenomenon."

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

The YouTuber asked how he perceives a potential victory. Will Russia want to take over all of Ukraine? The respondent answered that "if it weren't for the West, they would have long since liberated Ukraine from the Nazis (as attacked Ukrainians are called by propaganda – 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 – assured the Russian resident.

"An ideal example of a TV instead of a brain," "I feel sorry for you, Vyacheslav, because of a family that has blinders on, and I respect you for seeing the truth and not being caught up in the gears of war," "This interview sounded like something from a sci-fi horror. Earthlings ask an alien the purpose of his visit, and he says he has one goal: to destroy Earth and humans. This is indeed another mental dimension."

– Poles wrote in the comments under the video.