Russian troops sent as disposable fighters without helmets or body armor - The Telegraph

New footage from the Donetsk frontlines shows Russian soldiers attacking Ukrainian positions with no basic protection, with most dying before reaching forest lines or trenches.

Ihor Komok, Deputy Commander of Ukraine's 2nd Mechanised Battalion of the 66th Separate Mechanised Brigade, said the phenomenon has become widespread in recent months.

"Helmets were only worn in four groups out of the last 20," he emphasized.

In recent days, Ukrainian forces have repelled dozens of attacks in the Lyman direction. Russia is deploying infantry in large numbers, often under drone cover or even on motorcycles, despite heavy losses.

Komok added that some assault troops do not even realize they are moving directly toward Ukrainian positions, as the command assures them there is supposedly no enemy ahead.

Dmytro Zhmailo, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center, noted that equipment shortages are worsened by Russia's economic problems and its inability to fully supply the front.

Multiple reports indicate that the Russian command may use the "lack of protective armor" as punishment for failing to follow orders. Experts say some soldiers are sent into battle effectively "to die," forced to retrieve weapons from fallen comrades.

Ukrainian fighters report that Russians are sometimes sent to the frontline solely to deliver ammunition. Units call these soldiers "camels," and most die before completing their task.

"For the Russian command, they are merely expendable resources for achieving the Kremlin's political goals," Zhmailo stressed.

Russian "meat-grinder" assaults

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has actively used mass infantry assaults, particularly in the Donetsk region, with "meat-grinder" attacks becoming a key tool of Russian command.

Much of the assault force consists of mobilized conscripts, prisoners, and untrained reservists. These groups are most often sent into battle without proper gear, resulting in catastrophic losses.

In the Lyman direction, Russia has been attempting for months to improve its positions through daily small-group attacks, but heavy casualties and equipment shortages highlight critical supply problems in the Russian army.

Russian losses in the war against Ukraine

According to the General Staff, since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has lost approximately 1,171,700 troops.

In the past 24 hours, Russian forces suffered 910 casualties.