BBC: Ukrainian military are ordered to remain in Kursk until Trump's inauguration.

The situation in the Kursk region of Russia has become a focal point of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, especially following the recent incursion by Ukrainian forces. According to reports from the BBC, Ukrainian military personnel have received specific orders to attempt to maintain control over the areas captured in the Russian province until the inauguration of the elected U.S. president, Donald Trump, on January 20, 2025. This development has created a mix of uncertainty and unease among the troops on the ground.

A Ukrainian soldier, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the main task of the contingent is to secure as much territory as possible during this critical period. The expectation seems to be that the change in the U.S. administration could influence the dynamics of the conflict, although details about what that will mean for the future are uncertain. “No one knows what will happen,” admitted the soldier, reflecting the atmosphere of anxiety and speculation prevailing among the troops.

The situation in Kursk is described as dire, with adverse weather conditions and a critical lack of sleep among the soldiers, who are facing intense Russian counterattacks. The Ukrainian troops, who find themselves in a state of exhaustion, have seen that the reinforcements arriving in the region are mainly middle-aged men from other fronts, with insufficient time to recover. This state of fatigue affects not only the morale of the troops but also their effectiveness on the battlefield.

The casualty figures from this incursion are alarming. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Ukrainian forces have suffered significant losses, including over 37,355 soldiers, as well as a large number of vehicles and military equipment. These numbers highlight the fierce resistance that the Ukrainians have encountered, raising serious questions about the viability of maintaining control over the territory.

Despite international support, which includes permissions for the use of long-range weapons, soldiers in Kursk have expressed that this assistance has not had the expected impact on the situation on the ground. The reality is that, since the beginning of the offensive, Ukraine has lost approximately 40% of the territory it had occupied in August. This indicates that, although the incursion strategy may have had a promising start, the dynamics of the conflict have changed rapidly.

A Ukrainian soldier summarized the difficult situation: “The key is not to capture territory, but to maintain it.” This statement reflects the frustration felt by the troops, who have been forced to rethink their objectives in an increasingly hostile environment. The lack of troop rotation and physical wear and tear have made the task of maintaining control over the conquered areas even more complicated.

The geopolitical context also plays a crucial role in this conflict. With Trump's arrival, a shift in U.S. policy towards Ukraine and Russia is anticipated, which could open the door to new negotiations. However, for the soldiers on the front lines, the wait and uncertainty add pressure to an already extremely difficult situation.

The human impact of this conflict is undeniable. Ukrainian soldiers, facing a level of wear and tear that exceeds human capabilities, are on the front lines of a war that shows no signs of ending. The losses they have suffered are not just numbers in a defense report, but lives and families affected by a struggle that intensifies in every corner of the front.

The future of the Kursk region and the entire Ukrainian conflict will depend not only on the decisions made in the upper echelons of political power but also on the resilience and determination of the soldiers who face an unrelenting situation day by day. The mix of uncertainty, desolation, and hope for a change in the global political landscape is palpable in the air, as Ukrainian troops continue their fight in an adverse environment.