“We’re Not Living, Just Existing”: Intercepted Call Reveals Growing Fear Inside Russia

Russia’s civilian population is increasingly showing fear, confusion, and open frustration over the lack of progress in the war, according to a newly released intercepted phone call published by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR).

In the intercepted conversation, a Russian woman describes nightly explosions and a sense of constant fear, saying people are no longer “living, just existing.”

The call also highlights how deeply propaganda shapes public perceptions, with civilians repeating claims about “10,000 mercenaries” allegedly massing near Ukrainain city of Vovchansk in eastern Ukrainian Kharkiv region and questioning why Russian forces have failed to stop them, according to HUR.

Previously, it was reported that Russian forces in the Kharkiv region are struggling to coordinate between their units, leading to frequent incidents of “friendly fire” and overall disorder on the battlefield.

At the same time, the recording captures growing disappointment with Russia’s military performance.

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The woman notes that Russian troops have been fighting for Vovchansk since May 2024 with no tangible results, sarcastically referring to Russia’s touted “nanotechnologies.”

According to HUR, such intercepts reflect rising disillusionment inside Russia over the prolonged war and the gap between official narratives and battlefield reality.

Earlier, Russian infantry units stationed on the frontlines in Ukraine were reported to have been resorting to opioid use to manage psychological stress from constant battlefield losses, failed assaults, and high casualty rates.

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