Russian Commanders Order Wounded Troops to be Left on Frontline, Intercepted Call Reveals

Russian forces operating in eastern Ukraine are reportedly leaving wounded soldiers at frontline positions without evacuation, according to intercepted communications.

According to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) on April 27, military intelligence officers obtained an audio recording of a conversation between two Russian servicemen deployed in the Pokrovsk direction. The exchange indicates that wounded personnel are being ordered to remain in place despite critical conditions.

The intercepted conversation involves troops from the 439th Motorized Rifle Regiment of Russia’s 30th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, part of the 2nd Army.

One of the servicemen describes the condition of a wounded comrade: “This wounded guy is lying here, barely alive, all wet, all frozen; I gave him a poncho and wrapped him up in it a bit.”

According to HUR, the recording contains no discussion of medical evacuation. Instead, it includes instructions from a commander emphasizing that withdrawal or disengagement is not permitted. “Not an option, not an option… to switch off,” the commander says in the audio.

Ukraine’s military intelligence states that such directives have a direct impact on unit effectiveness. According to HUR, the absence of evacuation measures for wounded personnel reflects broader command practices within Russian units engaged in the area.

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The Pokrovsk sector in the Donetsk region remains one of the most active areas along the frontline, with frequent clashes reported by Ukrainian and international monitoring sources. According to Ukrainian officials, Russian forces continue offensive operations in the area, often adapting tactics based on weather conditions and drone activity.

Earlier, HUR released an intercepted communication indicating that Russian commanders may order the killing of their own personnel, including subordinates accused of disobedience, as part of informal enforcement practices within frontline units.

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