Russian Commander Berates Soldier, Cooks Sent to Frontlines in Ukraine
A Russian military commander has been recorded disparaging a soldier during a phone call, highlighting the dire state of troop availability in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The commander, whose identity remains undisclosed, expressed frustration over the lack of personnel, stating that even cooks are being sent to the frontlines due to an inability to secure victories in the war.
The intercepted call, made public on Friday by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, reveals a tense exchange between the commander and an unnamed soldier stationed in the critical Zaporizhzhia region. The soldier, an attack pilot, voiced his exhaustion, pleading for assistance due to physical weakness. His request for help was met with ridicule, as the commander launched into a tirade, questioning whether he expected the company commander to come personally to assist him.
“There are no f–king people, everyone has left,” the commander stated, emphasizing the severity of the situation. He elaborated that troops from various non-combat roles, including cooks and communication operators, have been forced into battle. The commander’s complaints reflect a broader issue within the Russian military framework, where reports suggest that personnel shortages are significantly impacting operational effectiveness.
Military Shortages and Operational Challenges
The call reveals the frustration within the Russian ranks amid stalled advances in the Zaporizhzhia region, where approximately 75% of the territory is under Russian control. Ukrainian intelligence sources indicate that these stalled operations stem from both tactical failures and a lack of adequate personnel.
According to a press release from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, the Kremlin is resorting to deploying individuals from various support roles into combat situations, including the wounded and those in serious illness. The defense service noted,
“Because of this, the Kremlin command throws everyone into the assault – the wounded, the seriously ill, cooks, drivers, signalers, drone operators and others.”
Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, estimates suggest that nearly 1 million Russian troops have been killed or wounded. Some reports even indicate that soldiers have resorted to self-inflicted non-fatal wounds to escape combat duties, illustrating the desperation within the ranks.
As the conflict continues, the implications of these personnel shortages raise concerns regarding the operational capabilities of Russian forces and the potential for further escalations in the ongoing war.
