The UK's Ministry of Defence said that Russian military men with chronic health conditions are being sent to fight in Ukraine.
In an intelligence update Thursday, the ministry talked about the Russian military's deployment of reserve soldiers.
The process was chaotic with poorly equipped soldiers and high casualties.
—Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) November 25, 2022
The deployment is often characterized by confusion over eligibility for service, inadequate training and personal equipment, and commitment to highly attritional combat missions.
Many people are being forced to serve with serious, chronic health conditions because they aren't having their medical status reviewed.
One man with diabetes and another who was too young to be eligible were conscripted in the early days of the war.
Putin admitted that officials made mistakes in who they chose to fight.
The area where Russia is under pressure is described in the update as grim.
"Heavy casualties are likely to occur after being committed to dig ambitious trench systems while under fire in the Luhansk Oblast," it said.
There are accounts in Russian media. Insider reported in early November on claims from soldiers' relatives that large numbers of men were killed by fire in the same area, and that their commanders left them to dig trenches with no tools.
The Russian military suffered heavy casualties in the invasion of Ukraine. In October it said it had conscripted enough fighters for now.
As Russia tries to contain the advances of the Ukrainians, it has been reported that troops are being sent into battle with poor equipment. The strategically vital tow of Kherson was regained by the Ukrainians recently.
Heavy casualties have been incurred by both sides. Around 100,000 men have been killed in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint chiefs.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
