By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In an intercepted call released by Ukraine’s military intelligence, a Russian serviceman detailed significant supply issues faced by troops. The recording revealed a lack of basic provisions, with soldiers forced to purchase necessities like lighters and rely on crowdfunding. The serviceman also described the deadly risks associated with delivering supplies near the front lines, mentioning casualties incurred during such missions. These complaints echo similar concerns raised by captured Chinese soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces.
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‘Gas Canisters Not Issued, F**k,’ that sums up a lot of what’s going on. The situation is dire. Soldiers on the front lines are struggling to get even the most basic supplies. And the quote, “Gas canisters are not issued, f**k. What we get is canned meat, grains, and cigarettes, and that’s it – nothing else. The rest we have to buy with our own money or people send it from home,” paints a stark picture of the logistical failures and corruption plaguing the Russian military. Imagine being in the middle of a conflict, relying on crowdfunding for essential items that any functioning army should provide. It’s a level of dysfunction that’s hard to comprehend.
Given the context of the conflict, it’s natural to wonder what the gas canisters are even *for*. Are they for cooking? For heating? Or perhaps for operating equipment? The lack of clarity surrounding this issue highlights another problem: a complete lack of transparency and accountability within the military. What the soldiers *do* get – canned meat, grains, and cigarettes – doesn’t exactly sound like a recipe for success on the battlefield. It’s not a diet that’s going to sustain anyone, let alone fuel the demands of intense combat. You would have to wonder what kind of condition the canned meat even is in, and whether it even *is* what it’s supposed to be. The idea of substandard supplies, or even dog food with a new label, isn’t far-fetched given the reported levels of corruption.
The need for soldiers to crowdfund for basics is a clear indicator of systemic failures. It is a terrible situation where soldiers are being forced to rely on charity just to get by. If they are not being issued gas canisters, who’s going to be able to heat or cook food properly? What if it is for cooking, and they have nothing to eat with? Then, cigarettes are the only comfort they have. This is where it gets really dark, as it becomes obvious they are not getting basic equipment, like something to help them breathe. How many have lost their lives moving these supplies? These essential items are literally life-or-death situations.
The logistics of war are incredibly important. If soldiers can’t reliably get the supplies they need, their combat effectiveness suffers, and the war effort itself suffers. The lack of gas canisters and basic supplies directly impacts the soldiers’ ability to survive and fight, and ultimately reflects how poorly the Russian military is being run. You have to wonder, given the lack of fuel, what these soldiers are supposed to be doing? Perhaps it’s also a question of sabotage, protest, or even self-immolation. You start to see how the lack of basic supplies can contribute to demoralization, which ultimately leads to a breakdown in discipline and a decline in morale.
The idea of soldiers having to buy their own supplies or rely on donations from home, even for the most fundamental needs, highlights the disparity in resources and the overall sense of neglect that some troops face. This is a situation where even the possibility of mutiny is discussed, because, you would have to admit, the priorities of those in charge seem questionable, to say the least. It’s hard to imagine how anyone can be expected to fight effectively when they’re constantly worried about where their next meal is coming from or how they will be able to boil water for some tea.
It’s also relevant to consider the economic factors at play. The news that Russia is paying high recruitment and disability payments suggests that the volunteer rate has increased, and the incentive to fight has been driven up by the financial benefits. It’s no wonder so many young people are volunteering. The choice to join is likely being influenced by the potential financial rewards, which is a very different scenario from a conscripted force that is essentially being forced into war. This leads to a very distinct and troubling picture of the motivations of those fighting.
The situation also highlights the contrast between the resources and equipment provided to some militaries, like the U.S., and the struggles faced by others, like the Russian forces in this case. The idea of supply runs that are inherently dangerous, and where soldiers are losing their lives, just to obtain basic necessities, is just sad. The lack of fuel and essential rations underscores a lack of strategic planning and management within the Russian military.
You can’t help but feel compassion, but some may struggle to feel that for soldiers fighting under the command of a regime that started a war, or for those who joined because they are lured by money. The Russian soldiers’ situation is a direct consequence of a leadership that is failing to adequately support its troops, especially in a war against Ukraine. It’s clear that the soldiers’ situation is the result of systemic issues. This should lead to the very clear question: Who are we supporting, who are we fighting, and what is the bigger purpose of the war? It makes the war even more confusing when you consider all the different factors.