Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers trapped in monastery in Kursk region

Around 300 Ukrainian fighters have been trapped on the grounds of the Hornal St. Nicholas Belogorsky Monastery in the Kursk region. According to sources, Ukrainian troops use underground tunnels for evacuation and ammunition resupply, organizing a long-term defense in the area.

Photo: мультимедиа.минобороны.рф by Евгений Кель, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Russian sniper

Up to two companies of Ukrainian soldiers have taken shelter inside the monastery. The monastery is located on an elevated position, giving the troops a tactical advantage. Its massive two-meter-thick walls provide additional protection.

There are basements and hidden passages beneath the complex. One of those passages is believed to connect the monastery to Sumy Oblast in Ukraine. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have fortified firing positions in surrounding forested areas.

According to Mash Telegram channel, the Russian Armed Forces plan to eliminate firing positions in the first place before attacking underground communications of the monastery. This may require Russian units to enter Ukrainian territory.

The monastery is located in the village of Hornal, which remains under AFU's control. The settlement is close to the Ukrainian border, it sits approximately 14 kilometers from the town of Sudzha.

In August 2024, the AFU shelled the Hornal St. Nicholas Monastery, having destroyed the main cathedral, a second church, and residential buildings.