Russian Soldier Claim Ukraine Forces Almost Wiped Out His Entire Unit in Kharkiv

A Russian soldier details the heavy losses in Kharkiv, revealing brutal tactics and severe casualties suffered by his unit amid Ukrainian artillery and drone strikes.

In the ongoing conflict in Kharkiv, a Russian soldier, Anton Andreev, shared harrowing details about his unit's ordeal, highlighting the severe losses suffered by Russian troops. Andreev, a member of Moscow's 1009th regiment, reported that half of his 100-strong unit was wiped out within the first night of fighting in Vovchansk. By the end of the engagement, only 12 soldiers remained, with many falling victim to Ukrainian artillery and drone strikes.

The intensity of the battle has escalated significantly since last month when Russian forces quickly captured approximately 99 square miles of territory, catching Ukrainian defenses off guard. Andreev’s account underscores the brutal reality of these operations, where Russian troops were often sent into battle under dire conditions, with commanders pushing them forward despite heavy casualties. "We are sent under machine guns, under drones in daylight, like meat. And commanders just shout ‘forward and forward,’” he lamented in a video message verified by The Guardian.

This revelation aligns with earlier reports from Ukrainian forces, who described the Russian military's tactics as large-scale "meat assaults," where soldiers are used in mass attacks with little regard for their safety. These tactics have reportedly led to significant casualties, with Ukrainian forces using their artillery and drones effectively to counter the Russian advances.

As the conflict continues, the situation remains fluid, with both sides experiencing heavy losses. The stark reality faced by Russian soldiers like Andreev paints a grim picture of the ongoing battles, emphasizing the harsh conditions and strategic missteps that have characterized this phase of the conflict.