22 January 2023 , 09:01
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Vladimir Putin is reportedly sending cannon fodder recruits who can barely use guns across no man's land towards Ukrainian positions "just like the First World War".
Across Ukraine, from the north to the east and south, troops on both sides have been living out the winter in trenches like soldiers from more than a century ago.
A major Russian offensive is expected in early spring, with many defending forces lying in wait, often in mud up to their knees.
Others are on the frontlines, including in Soledar where Moscow units broke through in recent weeks leading to fierce fighting.
Ukrainian commanders claim in the last few months Russia has started sending waves of soldiers over the top following artillery strikes.
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A member of Ukraine's 95th Air Assault Brigade near the frontline outside Kreminna (Getty Images)Stumbling through thick mud, they are armed only with rifles and grenades.
Most of the time, they are quickly mowed down by Ukrainian guns.
Meter, 54, a videographer turned drone operator after joining the fighting in Donbas, told the Times: "It's crazy how many of them there are. If we kill them they just replace them.”
He is posted in Bakmut and thanks to his drone can see towards enemy positions across no man's land, with the Russians sometimes just 150 metres away.
Ukrainian military vehicles drive along a road outside of the strategic city of Bakhmut (Getty Images)“They [the Russians] are taking grenades and AKs and trying to get as close as they can to just throw grenades into Ukrainian trenches,” he said.
“They send the less trained people in front, the ones who can barely carry the guns ... Then the more highly trained people come.”
The Russians are left dying in the mud, with the intention presumably to simply give away Ukrainian positions and force them to waste ammunition.
“If a Russian is injured, they’ll just let them freeze to death,” Meter said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)Meter and his brigade say the Russians are severely under-equipped.
Some who have surrendered have been found to be using rucksacks from the Second World War and wearing Ukrainian underpants taken from abandoned positions.
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Another soldier said with less tree cover now in the winter it is harder for them to take any cover as they charge around.
He said they keep moving back and forth even as those around them are being shot.
Meter's unit once found a truck full of vodka at a Russian position they'd taken which they think explains some of the bizarre behaviour.