According to a statement by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense (HUR) dated November 11, 2025, at least 32 Russian soldiers have died from food poisoning, and another 255 – from drug use and related intoxications over the past two years.

The Ukrainian intelligence report notes that these incidents involve troops from Russia’s Central Military District, one of the country’s five military districts, which covers about 40% of Russia’s population.

Among them, around 112 Russian soldiers died from drug use in the first half of 2025, and another 143 in 2024. In addition, according to HUR, 157 soldiers from the same district committed suicide during this period.

As of publication, the Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on these claims. The Ukrainian side admits it cannot independently verify all the figures.

The high rate of non-combat losses – food poisoning, suicides, and drug-related deaths – may indicate serious internal problems within the Russian Armed Forces: declining discipline, weak logistical and material support (such as food supply), and insufficient control over personnel.

The 32 deaths from food poisoning point to possible failures in supply chains or food quality – particularly alarming if these occurred in combat or near-frontline zones, where logistics and living conditions are already difficult. This could mean that even outside direct combat, soldiers remain in a vulnerable position.

The more than 200 deaths from drug use and overdose reflect not only disciplinary issues but also deep psychological strain – stress, poor conditions, and the mental toll of prolonged warfare. Under conditions of heavy workload, risk, and uncertainty, such numbers suggest significant pressure on personnel.

It is important to note that the data was released by Ukrainian intelligence and is not independently verified. Some figures may reflect an informational strategy by Ukraine to highlight weaknesses in the Russian military. The absence of Russian commentary adds to the uncertainty. However, even if some numbers are exaggerated, the trend – problems with discipline, logistics, and morale – appears plausible and concerning.

Wars are not only fought on the battlefield. Non-combat factors – logistics, supply, morale, and health — often prove decisive. When large military formations face systemic internal problems, it can alter the course of the conflict. Such indicators weaken operational effectiveness: troops become demoralized and depleted, and more resources are spent addressing internal issues rather than combat tasks.

#RUSSIA

11.11.2025 11:32