As Russia War Drags On, Ukrainian Soldiers Face Two Battles: One Is Hunger

Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 23:11 IST

Ukraine soldiers in Kupyansk face hunger and poor leadership while Russia gains momentum in eastern Ukraine, prompting command changes and urgent aid calls.

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, the Ukrainian soldiers have to endure another battle while holding on to the Kharkiv region city of Kupyansk – Hunger.

According to a report by Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, photos of four malnourished Ukrainian soldiers of the 14th brigade were released in April. It quoted some of the brigade soldiers saying that poor supplies, lack of adequate food and water and bad leadership resulted in emaciated soldiers.

“He wrote to me, saying, ‘I’m alive, but we’re starving’," wife of one of the soldiers told RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service. “And by that time…it had been nine days since they had had food."

“Do you understand how long you can go without food before your stomach dries up?" another soldier’s wife, Anastasia, complained to RFE/RL. “First, your stomach just stops working. Then there’s the dehydration. Their legs were in pain because they had no water."

Following the revelation of the situation, Ukrainian General Oleksandr Syrskiy ordered the removal of the commander of the 14th brigade.

Brigade commanders “concealed the real state of affairs, including the loss of a certain number of positions and miscalculations regarding the provision for solders," the General Staff said in the announcement. “In particular, a problem was identified regarding the supply of food to one of the brigade’s positions."

Meanwhile, CNN quoted military analysts and Western officials saying that Russia is increasingly gaining battlefield momentum in the war against Ukraine.

Recent months have seen Russian forces steadily advance in eastern Ukraine, capturing villages and strengthening positions around key contested regions including Donetsk and Kharkiv.

Military experts said Russia appears to have adapted its war strategy after earlier setbacks, relying on relentless drone attacks, heavy artillery use and gradual territorial gains rather than rapid breakthroughs.

However, Ukrainian troops are reportedly facing mounting pressure along the front line, especially in the Donbas region.

Kyiv has acknowledged difficult battlefield conditions and renewed calls for faster delivery of Western air defence systems, artillery ammunition and fighter jets.

News world As Russia War Drags On, Ukrainian Soldiers Face Two Battles: One Is Hunger

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