Russia Warned of Ukrainian Advance Months Before Kursk Incursion
- Russian military documents indicate that preparations for a potential Ukrainian incursion into Kursk began months before the attack.
- Concerns about troop morale were prevalent, with reports of suicides and directives to consume state media to boost psychological conditions.
- The failure to adequately prepare and maintain troop morale contributed to the rapid abandonment of positions during the Ukrainian advance.
Documents seized by the Ukrainian army reveal that Russia's military had been aware of a potential Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region for several months prior to the attack on August 6, 2023. The earliest entries in the documents date back to late 2022, indicating that Russian commanders were instructed to prepare for a possible breakthrough at the state border. By mid-June, specific warnings about Ukrainian plans to capture Sudzha were noted, highlighting concerns about the readiness of Russian forces, which were reportedly understaffed and comprised mainly of poorly trained reserves. The documents also shed light on the morale issues within the Russian ranks, exacerbated by incidents of suicide among soldiers. One entry detailed a soldier's suicide linked to depression from military service, prompting orders for unit commanders to ensure soldiers consumed state media to maintain morale. Additionally, the documents outlined strategies to mislead Ukrainian reconnaissance, including the creation of decoy positions and the use of mannequins to simulate troop presence. When the Ukrainian forces launched their attack, many Russian soldiers abandoned their posts, leading to a swift Ukrainian takeover of Sudzha within a week. The chaotic retreat of Russian troops resulted in the capture of numerous conscripts, who were not typically expected to engage in combat. This situation underscores the challenges faced by the Russian military in maintaining effective defenses and troop morale. Overall, the documents provide a comprehensive view of the Russian military's preparations and the internal issues that contributed to their inability to effectively respond to the Ukrainian advance, ultimately leading to significant territorial losses in the region.