Ukrainian forces say captured Russian troops resorted to drinking urine amid supply collapse
Prisoners taken during Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi reported severe shortages of food, water and ammo, saying some drank their own urine to survive.
During the ongoing Operation Vivaldi counteroffensive, Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps released footage of roughly 50 Russian prisoners describing extreme deprivation after their units were left without supplies. The detainees, many identifying with the 144th Motor Rifle Division of the 20th Combined Arms Army, said they were cut off from food, water and medical aid, resorting to drinking their own urine and contaminated streams.
A deputy commander of the 3rd Assault Company reported losing more than 60 kilograms in six months and witnessing soldiers die at their positions. The captives also accused their officers of providing false information about the Ukrainian assault and abandoning their posts. Russian military bloggers have independently confirmed shortages of logistics, water and communications in the Lyman area, and have criticized command deception that delayed Kremlin awareness of the Ukrainian advance.
Why it matters
The testimony highlights critical supply failures in Russia's frontline, affecting morale and the broader dynamics of the Ukraine war.
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