Several Russian soldiers fighting in eastern Ukraine have been accused of cannibalism after reportedly running out of food during the winter.
Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR) has shared evidence with The Sunday Times, including photographs and intercepted audio messages allegedly exchanged between senior Russian officers.
One intelligence source said there were at least five cases in which Russian infantrymen were reportedly said by comrades and commanders to have eaten their fellow soldiers.
One incident allegedly occurred in November 2025 near Myrnohrad in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. According to the materials, a Russian infantryman with the call sign Khromoy, serving in a motor rifle unit of the 51st Combined Arms Army, killed two comrades and attempted to eat part of one body.
An unnamed officer reportedly informed commanders via Telegram and shared images, including a severed leg. The report says forensic analysis found no signs of digital manipulation.
A military surgeon who reviewed the material said the injuries did not look like combat wounds and were likely caused by a sharp object.
In audio messages, the officer said the soldier was found in a basement trying to cut up human remains. He was later killed after opening fire during an arrest attempt. The officer also said troops were on “starvation rations.”
Other intercepted messages also mention similar cases and orders banning cannibalism, alcohol and drugs.
Ukrainian officials say more captured Russian soldiers are reporting serious food shortages.
At the same time, Ukraine’s military has also admitted its own troops are facing serious supply problems in one sector of the front.
Last week, after images of very thin Ukrainian soldiers spread online, the General Staff said supply lines near Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region have been badly hit by Russian strikes on river crossings.
Officials said troops are now being supplied by boats and heavy drones, but warned this is limited and dangerous.
The General Staff also said local commanders failed to report the situation correctly, which led to mistakes and losses.
The brigade commander has been removed, and a corps commander demoted. An investigation is ongoing.
Officials also said Russian drone units are heavily attacking supply routes, making resupply even harder.