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The use of so-called barrier units by the Russian side has been documented throughout the war and in June video emerged of retreating Russian soldiers appearing to be gunned down by their own side.<\/p>\n
In addition, a video purportedly from Andriivka appears to show surrendering Russians shelled in friendly fire as they made their way to Ukrainian lines.<\/p>\n
Later, the soldier – who has had his name withheld for his protection – told reporters: \u201cWe send 25 people on a mission, and only six return. Our artillerymen are currently launching assaults.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were told ‘you still have no ammunition; go in as infantry’. But the guys don’t even know what an assault is.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n \u201cEssentially, they send us there as cannon fodder. We need the coordinates for our artillery and information about the targets we should engage, but our artillery can’t function because they lack shells.\u201d<\/p>\n He claims that when desperate soldiers facing cluster bombs and intense Ukrainian bombardments relay the hopeless situation to their commanders, the response is often: \u201cSo what?\u201d<\/p>\n The peek into the life of a Russian soldier on the frontlines in Ukraine could help explain – partially – how the 72nd Motor Rifle Brigade as well as the elite 31st and 83rd Air Assault Brigades were virtually destroyed fighting for Andriivka.<\/p>\n Although the claims made by Ukrainian sources have not been verified, The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) – which covers the Ukraine conflict – said on Monday that Ukraine made advances south of Bakhmut which could mean heavy losses for Moscow.<\/p>\n ISW said: \u201cThese VDV [Russian airborne] elements were involved in counterattacking and attempting to roll back Ukrainian advances around Bakhmut\u2026and likely suffered heavy losses.\u201d<\/p>\n Bakhmut was taken by Wagner mercenary forces in May after a 10-month battle – the front surrounding the destroyed city has seen some of the bloodiest fighting of the war.<\/p>\n With the capture of Andriivka and nearby Klishchiivka, Ukraine appears to have achieved a breakthrough in Russian lines while taking higher ground around Bakhmut.<\/p>\n There have been reports that units in the east have been moved to the southern front to shore up defences against a fierce Ukrainian assault in Zaporizhzhia. This likely weakened Russian defences in the east allowing Ukraine to exploit the situation in Donetsk.<\/p>\n
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