Ovcharenko, a Ukrainian soldier, has been mugging up with the help of a three-page printed guide which now lives at his temporary home in Russia's Kursk region, next to a shelf of detective novels and histories celebrating Stalin.
The books belong to the property's former owner, a local who fled in August when Ukraine launched a counter-invasion.
Three months on, Kyiv controls a significant chunk of Russian territory centred around Sudzha.
So far, Moscow has been unable to end this embarrassing situation. It has launched air attacks on Ukrainian positions with kamikaze drones and guided bombs and carries out assaults using small infantry groups. Amid heavy losses, Vladimir Putin has turned to a new and extraordinary source of manpower: North Korean troops, sent by the regime's supreme leader Kim Jong-un.
According to US intelligence, 10,000 North Korean soldiers have arrived in Russia. These reinforcements - seen in videos gathering at ranges in Russia's far eastern Khabarovsk region - are already fighting near Sudzha. A "small engagement" took place this week, Kyiv says. North Korea has pledged to support Moscow until it achieves a "great victory".
What exactly their impact will be on the battle is unclear. Ukrainian soldiers seem largely unconcerned. "We don't know how Moscow will train them or communicate with them," Ovcharenko said. "They might be fanatical professionals with totalitarian souls. Or guys lacking experience from another continent. Either way, we're ready for the threat. They will just die uselessly."
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hinted that Kursk could play a role in negotiations, following Trump's return to the White House.
この記事は The Guardian の November 09, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Guardian の November 09, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Bentancur to get long ban over alleged racist remark
Tottenham are resigned to Rodrigo Bentancur being given a lengthy ban of at least six matches by the Football Association for making an allegedly racist remark about Son Heung-min.
Kane faces Carsley axe Shock as captain set to be left out for crunch Greece match
Harry Kane is set to be a shock omission from Lee Carsley's England team for tonight's must-win Nations League match against Greece in Athens.
Infantino to avoid scrutiny with virtual 2026 draw
Gianni Infantino will avoid any scrutiny of the controversial decision to give the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia next month after Fifa opted to stage the qualifying draw for the 2026 tournament as a virtual event.
Gordon heeds England's call as no-shows hinder Carsley
While a depleted side face tricky tests against Greece and Ireland, there will be big opportunities for some
Lawrence caps quick Chelsea comeback after Agnew's early strike
Chelsea's aspiration of claiming this season's Women's Champions League was hardly in danger as Murphy Agnew handed Celtic a shock lead.
Paul's big-money fight is a circus but the YouTuber is no clown
Despite the absurd persona, his business savvy and support of female fighters must be acknowledged
Tyson offers reminder of boxing's glory days before weary return
Former Baddest Man on the Planet is reflective but determined in open workout as he gears up for inglorious fight with YouTuber, reports
Lineker leaves second BBC presenting role
Gary Lineker has stepped down from his role as presenter of Sports Personality of the Year (Spoty), the BBC has confirmed.
Coe pulls no punches with his IOC pitch
Sebastian Coe has promised to introduce an \"uncompromising and clearcut\" policy to protect women's sport and to look into awarding prize money to all Olympic medallists if he is elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) president.
Slade vows 'not to shut up shop' against Springboks
England are looking to banish their autumn frustrations at South Africa's expense this Saturday and have vowed \"not to shut up shop\" against the reigning world champions.