A bottle of syrup made from Siberian berries, piles of dirty socks, and a tea bag emblazoned with the phrase “For Victory!” These are just a few of the curious items that Ukrainian soldiers have come across in the fortifications left behind by retreating Russian forces during the ongoing counteroffensive in southern Ukraine. While the advantage of capturing these ready-made defenses is not lost on the Ukrainian soldiers, the reality of living and fighting in positions that were once held by the Russians is far from pleasant.
Pvt. Maksim, a soldier with Ukraine’s 36th Marine Brigade, expressed his discomfort with the situation, describing it as “our land but not very comfortable.” He shared his collection of oddities, including what he believed to be a talisman: sparkling bullets attached to a key ring. These soldiers may be reclaiming their territory, but it doesn’t feel like home.
The Ukrainian counteroffensive began in early June, with troops trained and equipped by the United States and other Western allies. Their goal is to push through the Russian-occupied region of southern Ukraine, facing thousands of well-fortified Russian troops in trenches, tank traps, and minefields. The Ukrainians have managed to make advances at several points along the Russian defensive front, forming a bulge that stretches about five miles into the enemy lines. Their ultimate objective is to reach the Sea of Azov, cutting off Russia’s land bridge to the occupied Crimea and severely hampering their ability to resupply their forces.
As the Ukrainians continue their advance, they encounter Russian trench lines, bunkers, and firing positions, but with constant artillery shelling, there is little time to clear the debris. Abandoned clothing, body armor, ponchos, and military rations are a constant reminder of the enemy they are up against. The village of Novodarivka is a prime example, with destroyed houses and abandoned vehicles scattered everywhere.
One solemn task that the Ukrainians face is retrieving the remains of their fallen comrades who died defending the village. Lt. Volodymyr spoke of the seven bodies that had been lying in the area since April 2022, now reduced to skeletons that would require DNA identification. In contrast, the Russian dead are either being buried or covered in dirt to control the smell. The stench of death lingers in the air, and the trenches are infested with swarms of flies.
The soldiers also come across traces of the Russian troops’ presence in the abandoned houses, where they had carved their hometowns or regions into the plaster walls. Pvt. Maksim proudly displays his collection of curiosities, including a bottle of cowberry syrup from Yakutia, a region in northern Siberia, and a pack of Russian tea that the previous owner didn’t have time to drink.
Despite the back-and-forth nature of the fighting, the Ukrainian soldiers are determined to push forward. Pvt. Maksim acknowledges the constant tug-of-war, saying, “We push them, they push us, and so on.” He recognizes the extensive preparation done by the Russians, who had “a lot of time to dig.”
The 110th Territorial Defense Brigade, which has been fighting in southern Ukraine for over a year, takes a more cautious approach. Sgt. Igor explains that they crawl forward bit by bit, taking cover in tree lines between fields to assault Russian trenches. This slow advance reduces casualties compared to full-scale assaults. He recognizes that time is needed for the newer soldiers, trained by Western allies, to adapt to fighting in the open farmland.
Sgt. Igor emphasizes the importance of developing a trained ear to distinguish between outgoing and incoming artillery. The soldiers must quickly react, deciding whether to take cover or not. They must also overcome their fears and engage in combat, even when bullets are flying overhead. Real combat experience is crucial, and as the soldiers gain more of it, the pace of the advance will likely increase.
It is not easy for green recruits to witness their fellow soldiers being wounded or killed. Their morale takes a hit, but Sgt. Igor believes they will learn from these experiences. He acknowledges the complexity and slow progress of the offensive but emphasizes that it is still moving forward. The soldiers are gaining combat experience, and that, ultimately, is what matters.
In the ongoing counteroffensive in southern Ukraine, Ukrainian soldiers have not only reclaimed their territory but also come face-to-face with the remnants of the retreating Russian forces. They live and fight in positions that were once held by the Russians, surrounded by military debris and personal items left behind. It is a harsh reality that they must endure as they push forward, but with each step, they gain valuable combat experience and inch closer to their objectives.
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