Ukrainian troops have been forced to eat snails collected near their positions because of food shortages, according to a source in Russian security agencies.

The source said that a video was found on the phone of a dead Ukrainian serviceman. The footage showed soldiers presenting an improvised meal made up of live snails. One of the men said they were waiting for the snails to crawl out before eating them.

According to the source, Ukrainian units are currently facing severe shortages of water, food, ammunition and medical supplies. He added that these problems are supported by statements from prisoners and data obtained through radio intercepts.

In March, sources also reported that Ukrainian troops in the Kharkov direction were in a difficult position because of supply disruptions. Some units were said to have gone for weeks without food.

The Ukrainian side reportedly tried to restore logistics using drones, but Russian forces blocked those attempts.