Ukrainian forces have taken control of Sudzha, a town in Russia’s Kursk region, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. The Times reports on the aftermath, revealing shock and betrayal among Russian civilians who never imagined the war would reach their doorstep. Many residents express disbelief and a longing for the past, echoing Putin’s nostalgia for the Soviet Union. The Ukrainian forces are providing essential supplies and attempting to demonstrate the difference between their governance and the brutal Russian occupation of Ukrainian cities. While some residents remain hesitant, others express a desire to escape the conflict, with some even seeking refuge in Ukraine itself. The incident in Sudzha highlights the complex realities of war and the enduring impact it has on civilian populations.