Kathrine Frich
Soldiers go to war knowing they may have to risk everything, including their lives.
But there is also an expectation that if they are wounded, they will not be abandoned on the battlefield.
New evidence suggests that reality may be very different for some troops fighting in Vladimir Putin’s army.
Intercepted exchange
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency says it has obtained audio suggesting Russian troops in the Pokrovsk direction are not evacuating wounded soldiers.
According to Ukrinform, the recording involves members of the 439th Motorized Rifle Regiment, part of a unit deployed in the area.
The conversation indicates that injured soldiers may be left in position rather than being removed from the front line.
On the ground
In the recording, one soldier describes the condition of a wounded comrade.
“This wounded guy is lying here, barely alive, all wet, all frozen; I gave him a poncho and wrapped him up in it a bit,” he says.
The exchange reportedly contains no discussion of evacuation, only instructions to remain in place.
Command orders
According to Ukrainian intelligence, commanders are ordering troops to stay at their posts regardless of injuries.
There is no mention of medical extraction in the intercepted audio, only the instruction to “stay alert.”
Officials say such decisions could severely impact morale and combat effectiveness.
Ukrainian response
Commenting on the recording, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said: “This is the real picture of the ‘second army of the world’: wounded soldiers who are not being evacuated—and a commander with the sole advice to ‘not let your guard down,’”
The agency warned that such practices could lead to fatal outcomes on the battlefield.
The Pokrovsk direction remains one of the most active areas of fighting, with frequent clashes reported.
Ukrainian forces say they continue to target concentrations of Russian troops in the region as part of ongoing operations.
Sources: Ukrinform
