Russia's Aggressive Advance: Ukrainian Soldiers Reveal the Brutality on the Frontlines

The anticipated summer breakthrough hoped for by Ukraine and its allies has turned into a symbol of the ominous, approaching winter of Russian resurgence and Kyiv's increasing losses on the front lines. Ihor, a commander in the 15th National Guard, humorously remarked, "As we like to say in the army, the plan was good on paper, but we forgot about the trenches." Speaking with CNN from a command post in Orikhiv, southern Ukraine, he preferred to use only his first name for security reasons. While talking, he was interrupted by frantic sounds from the radio room.

The voice on the radio responds, stating that they are unable to evacuate due to a lack of transportation. Ihor's frustration is evident as he can do nothing but wait in agonizing silence for further news. Shortly after, the radio crackles again and the soldier reports "already 200" in military code, indicating that they are deceased.

"Ihor informs his men, 'It's done. Take your time. There's nothing we can do for him.' The body of 48-year-old Sergei will be retrieved after nightfall, for safety.

He is one of four Ukrainian soldiers who lost their lives that day, and approximately 50 in the area for the week, according to a local Ukrainian official."

Ihor, a Ukrainian commander, describes the huge challenges for his forces with the bleak, dark winter ahead with Russia resurgent amid Kyiv's mounting losses.

Christian Streib/CNN

Waves of Russian convict recruits

Ihor expressed, "Every loss has an impact on us all and takes a toll on morale. It's incredibly difficult for me." The battle in the winter is incredibly harsh, especially north of Robotyne where intense fighting took place months ago. Ukrainian drones are outnumbered by Russian ones, with 40 Russian drones attacking a Ukrainian trench network in just one day not long ago.

Ukrainians are being confronted by relentless waves of Russian convict recruits who are well-trained, equipped, and backed by armor. There are also reports that they may be given a mix of drugs to enhance their attacks. Ukrainian soldiers have shared drone footage with CNN showing an injured Russian soldier with severed legs, yet seemingly unfazed and even smiling.

In addition to this threat, those fighting in besieged Ukrainian trenches are now facing the use of gas as a weapon. According to a Ukrainian combat medic, there have been nine recorded incidents of drones dropping caustic and flammable gas onto Ukrainian lines, resulting in one fatality. The gas is used to create panic, followed by conventional shelling or drone attacks, impacting the soldiers on the front lines.

A Ukrainian intelligence official informed CNN that the substance used by the Russians was a type of CS gas, also known as tear gas, which can cause temporary incapacitation by irritating the eyes, nose, mouth, lungs, and skin. The use of riot control agents in warfare is banned under the United Nations Chemical Weapons Convention, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Recent reports indicate that Russian soldiers have been using gas across the battlefield. However, the use of gas around Orikhiv has been particularly persistent. Two soldiers who survived a gas attack provided CNN with medical reports that showed they had been poisoned. "At first, I saw smoke," one soldier told CNN. "We ran out from the trench and the gas suddenly caught fire. The trench was in flames. This gas burns, blinds you, you cant breathe, shoots down your throat immediately. We didn't even have a second."

They claimed to have sustained injuries such as burns and welts on their faces, as well as inside their mouths and throats. Both men still had redness on their faces, clear evidence of their injuries.

Two soldiers who survived a gas attack showed CNN medical reports indicating they had been poisoned.

According to Christian Streib of CNN, the reported use of chemical agents in the battlefield is another indicator of the brutal and deceitful nature of Russia's renewed efforts to regain lost terrain. Ukraine had anticipated making more progress towards the Azov Sea during the summer, but now finds itself having to defend its limited gains.

Several Ukrainian soldiers expressed unease at the increasing presence of Russians at the front. Ihor remarked, "Typically, more soldiers means more casualties," referring to Russian generals sending their forces into the "meatgrinder" of the front line without regard for their losses. "But occasionally, the strategy works. And they achieve success."

CNN observed a Ukrainian drone unit, a part of Ihors command, attempting to track Russians near a crossroads from a small bunker close to the front line. Two Russian soldiers carrying a stretcher emerged from a trench, likely carrying food. The operator held the drone back to avoid detection and called in a mortar strike, which appeared to miss its target. The drone then malfunctioned, likely due to Russian jamming, exacerbated by the cold weather. Both the cold and jamming are draining the battery life of the drones, according to soldiers who spoke to CNN.

Ihor faces numerous challenges, including the risk of Russian drone attacks when evacuating the injured with limited vehicles. The lack of funding from the US and EU for Ukraine is a major concern, as grainy drone images show desolate landscapes, injured Russian soldiers in craters, and a harsh environment that seems barely habitable for human life.