Vladimir Putin’s loyal soldiers are facing a dire situation, stranded and starving on a perilous island, as reported by Ukrainian officials. Thousands of troops have been isolated from the main Russian forces, with an estimated 5,000 soldiers trapped in a hazardous area along the Dnipro River in southern Kherson. This region has served as a battleground since November 2022.
The Ukrainian forces control the right bank of the river, while the left bank remains under Russian jurisdiction. The exposed position of Putin’s troops makes them vulnerable to opposition attacks, especially during drone assaults where they have limited options for cover.
Reports from Ukrainian sources indicate that over 5,100 Russian soldiers have perished on the island since January, with the stranded troops lacking sufficient supplies. Disturbing footage captures Putin’s men camouflaging themselves with vegetation to evade drone strikes.
In a desperate attempt to avoid bombings, a group of soldiers was seen crowded into a small boat. Colonel Oleksandr Zavtonov from Ukraine’s 30th Marine Corps described the area as a lethal zone for Russian forces, emphasizing the lack of hiding spots. Captured prisoners have revealed the challenges of delivering essential resources like food and water, forcing the troops to drink from the river.
Oksana Kuzan, head of the analytical department at the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre, highlighted the severe difficulties faced by the troops due to the harsh conditions, including shortages of food, ammunition, and rotation opportunities. The situation intensified following President Zelensky’s optimism regarding the US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, urging Donald Trump to apply similar pressure on Russia to halt the conflict.
A joint statement from the leaders of several countries, including Ukraine, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and others, emphasized the unified call for a just and enduring peace in Ukraine. They echoed President Trump’s stance on immediate cessation of hostilities and the preservation of existing borders through diplomatic means.