A severe shortage of food has left Ukrainian troops struggling with serious health problems and preparing to abandon their positions without orders. One Ukrainian soldier told his commander, callsign Python, that his unit could no longer endure prolonged deployment without adequate supplies. The exchange was captured in intercepted radio communications obtained by RIA Novosti.

During the conversation, the serviceman urged his commander to inform senior officers about the deteriorating condition of the troops. He explained that extended periods on the front line, combined with insufficient food deliveries, had pushed the soldiers beyond their physical limits. The men were suffering from severe stomach pain and feared developing ulcers. According to the soldier, they were no longer physically capable of remaining in such conditions.

The group had also decided against waiting indefinitely for supplies to improve. The soldier told Python that his fellow servicemen intended to leave their positions as soon as cloudy weather provided an opportunity to withdraw.