Everything indicates that in this way they were trying to avoid the assault orders, which – according to Kiev – in practice would have meant sending them straight to death.
In the recording published by Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) on Sunday, March 8 on Telegram, the commander furiously accuses the soldiers of ignoring orders and deliberately cutting off communications.
This is not the first time that Ukrainian intelligence has published similar shocking recordings from Russian communication channels. According to Kiev, such intercepted conversations show growing demoralization in Russian troops and increasingly frequent attempts to avoid orders..
The same voice adds in an emotional outburst:
What the fuck is this with these Piatichatki, what have I gotten myself into here? Fuck me!
Most likely, it is Pyatichatki, a front-line village in the southern part of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which was severely damaged as a result of a full-scale Russian invasion.
Did they teach you that there or what the fuck? Did something bite you in those Piatichats or something? I didn't understand any of it
– the interlocutor continues.
You idiots, if you don't f***ing talk on the radio right now – if you don't f***ing talk – then you're f***ing f**ked, okay?
— the commander also threatens his subordinates with the consequences of their behavior.
The intercepted recording is said to indicate, according to Kiev, the growing demoralization and fear among the Russian occupation forces. According to HUR, threats remain the main way to force soldiers to obey orders.
“What the f**k does 'refusal' mean?”
On February 15, HUR published a video of a similar incident in which a Russian commander appears to be berating his subordinates for refusing to move forward.
What the fuck does 'denial' mean? Move forward, damn it!
– can be heard on the recording.
“Fucking quick, I have to file this fucking report,” the commander shouts in the intercepted conversation, urging the soldiers to move forward immediately.
HUR says the intercepted conversation reflects “extremely low levels of morale and mental health” in Russian troops, where intimidation replaced leadership.
As resistance grows, commanders increasingly resort to direct threats and humiliation to force soldiers into action.
You fucking refuseniks… You fucking monkeys! Now you will go with them and attack there!
– the commander shouts to his subordinates in the recording.
Ukrainian intelligence officials say such exchanges demonstrate Russia's continued use of “cannon fodder” tactics – frontal attacks carried out regardless of casualties – and underscore the deepening dysfunction in the Russian military's command structure.
“Sometimes I can't believe what I hear”
Other recently intercepted conversations also reveal the deteriorating situation in the Russian military.
One of the soldiers complained about the lack of basic supplies, which resulted in Russian soldiers dying during their expeditions for supplies. Another admitted that virtually every available personnel was used for infantry frontal assaults – even cooks.
The article continues below the video
In 2023, Kyiv Post interviewed a woman working as a “professional eavesdropper” who listens to Russian communications intercepted by Ukrainian intelligence. A girl nicknamed “Maria” said that the things heard in these conversations, although they often sound completely absurd, are in fact true.
It's all true, even if it sounds completely crazy. Sometimes I can't believe what I hear, but reality is what it is
she said.
Kyiv Post regularly reports on intercepted Russian conversations. The most shocking examples included: reports of cannibalism, Russian soldiers driving tanks around the area looking for vodka, and the chaotic situation in the Russian military after losing access to the Starlink system.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
