Radio intercept: Russian soldiers resorting to cannibalism due to food shortages

A newly released intelligence recording has cast a disturbing light on conditions facing Russian troops on one section of the front line in southern Ukraine.

According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, the conversation was intercepted among Russian servicemen fighting in the Zaporizhzhia direction.

The agency published details of the recording in a post on its official Facebook page.

“A new episode of horror from the positions of Russian forces in Zaporizhzhia. Due to food shortages, the occupiers are sharpening knives and preparing to eat younger accomplices,” the intelligence directorate said in its statement.

In the audio released by Ukrainian intelligence, one Russian soldier can be heard discussing violence against fellow servicemen and suggesting they are searching for someone younger within their group.

“I’ve sharpened my knives, I don’t care who I cut – I want to eat,” the serviceman says in the recording.

The recording has not been independently verified, neither has the Ukrainian claims.

An emerging pattern

Ukrainian intelligence officials say the incident is not isolated. They point to earlier intercepted communications that also described alleged acts of cannibalism within Russian units.

In June, Ukrainian officials reported that a serviceman from Russia’s 68th Motor Rifle Division allegedly survived for two weeks by consuming the remains of a fellow soldier.

That claim, like the latest recording, was presented by the Main Intelligence Directorate as evidence of extreme conditions among Russian forces.

Previously released intercepts also included a Russian soldier saying a comrade listed as missing had been eaten by another serviceman, according to Ukrainian intelligence summaries.

Contrasting treatment

The Main Intelligence Directorate emphasized that Russian prisoners of war held by Ukraine receive meals three times a day.

The agency again urged Russian soldiers wishing to surrender to use the “I Want to Live” project bot, a Ukrainian-run initiative offering instructions for voluntary surrender.

Meanwhile, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Russian forces suffered an additional 1,090 personnel losses over the past day, underscoring the continued intensity of fighting.

Sources: Facebook, Telegram, Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense

This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation