Moscow: Ukrainian soldiers of the 95th separate airborne assault brigade have reportedly abandoned their positions near the settlement of Oleshnya in Russia’s Kursk Region. This information was revealed by a source in the Sever (North) group of forces, who cited radio intercepts to RIA Novosti.

According to Namibia Press Agency, on April 19, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that Russian troops had regained control over Oleshnya. During the battle, the Ukrainian armed forces command attempted to deploy a battalion of the 95th brigade to the area. However, it has been reported that the service members of this brigade refused to engage in the battle.

The radio intercepts indicated that the Ukrainian soldiers were reluctant to fight and questioned the necessity of risking their lives in the Kursk Region. The source noted, “The commanders could not force them. They refused to fulfill the combat order and left their positions.”

In March, Russian forces initiated a large-scale offensive in the Kursk Region, successfully capturing the border town of Sudzha and several other settlements. Ukrainian losses in the Kursk direction have reportedly exceeded 75,000 troops, as per the latest data from the Russian Defense Ministry.