Kyiv has alleged incidents of cannibalism among Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, citing military intelligence reports, as harsh frontline conditions continue to come under scrutiny.
According to a report by The Sunday Times, Ukrainian intelligence officials have gathered photographic material and audio recordings, reportedly from intercepted communications between Russian troops. The material is said to have been collected via Telegram by cybersecurity specialists.
🫢 Ouroboros activated: Russia’s army starts devouring itself
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) April 27, 2026
At least five alleged cases of cannibalism were reported in winter 2025–2026 in eastern Ukraine due to food shortages and supply issues, The Sunday Times reports, citing Ukrainian intelligence.
In one reported case… pic.twitter.com/Cbz1EaLiiC
Ukrainian sources claim there are indications of at least five separate incidents in which Russian soldiers allegedly consumed the bodies of dead comrades. If confirmed, the cases appear to have been isolated and occurred during the winter months, when supply shortages were most severe.
The report notes that those involved may have been under extreme psychological strain due to battlefield conditions. However, the newspaper said it was unable to independently verify the claims. Russia has rejected similar allegations in the past as false.
Reported killing of fellow soldiers
In one alleged case, a soldier identified by the callsign “Khromoy” is said to have killed two fellow servicemen and attempted to consume parts of their bodies. The incident reportedly took place in the Donetsk region in November 2025.
Ukrainian intelligence claims the soldier belonged to the 95th Regiment of the 5th Independent Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, under the 51st Army. The case was allegedly reported via Telegram to a reconnaissance battalion deputy commander.
Images shared with investigators reportedly showed signs of extreme violence. An independent assessment by a surgeon, cited in the report, suggested the injuries were inconsistent with typical combat wounds and appeared to have been inflicted with a sharp object.
Other alleged incidents include Russian soldiers reporting colleagues for similar acts, while in one intercepted exchange a commander is said to have reprimanded a subordinate over such behaviour.
Ukraine’s military intelligence service had previously released an audio clip in June 2025, purportedly capturing Russian soldiers discussing a case in which one serviceman killed and consumed another.
Moscow rejects claims
Russia’s embassy in London dismissed the report as “fabricated information” originating from Ukrainian military propaganda. It added that similar allegations have historically been used in conflicts to discredit opponents, including during the Second World War and the siege of Leningrad.
At the same time, there have been repeated reports of logistical challenges within Russian forces. Captured soldiers have previously claimed they faced food shortages on the frontline. The Sunday Times report also noted that up to 10,000 Russian troops surrendered voluntarily in the previous year.
Analysts say supply difficulties are plausible, particularly in extreme winter conditions. Military expert Bradley Martin noted that sustaining frontline troops has not always been a priority for the Russian military, but stressed that such claims should be treated with caution.
Comparable supply issues have also affected Ukrainian forces. A report by The Guardian said soldiers from Ukraine’s 14th Mechanised Brigade were left without adequate food for around two weeks, forcing them to melt snow for drinking water.
Source: protothema.gr