Ukrainian command leaves troops in Donetsk without ammo
3 Min Read
An intercepted radio communication published by RIA Novosti reportedly captures Ukrainian troops in Dnipropetrovsk pleading for ammunition.
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A Ukrainian soldier walks amid the ruins in Kostiantinivka, a frontline town, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, in this photo taken on October 13, 2025 (Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade via AP)
Ukrainian frontline troops in the Dnipropetrovsk region were left without ammunition and pleaded with their command for resupply, an intercepted radio communication obtained and published by the Russian state-owned RIA Novosti on October 31 showed.
The audio clip was shared with RIA Novosti and circulated on syndicated news wires, which published a transcript of the exchange.
Recorded pleas, command response
According to the recording, a Ukrainian soldier sheltering in a dugout addressed his commander by the call sign “Shtorm” (Storm), imploring for ammunition: “Shtorm, don't keep quiet. Shtorm, I beg you, drop us any ammunition ... We will all stay on the battlefield now. I have no ammunition left.”
The clip then records a response attributed to the commander, “Shtorm is on the line. Shoot, shoot. Everything will be delivered, everything will be delivered, just wait a little bit.”
Russian security services provided the recording to RIA Novosti and related outlets, which framed the audio as evidence that Kiev’s command had “abandoned” servicemen in the Dnipropetrovsk sector.
The intercepted communication emerges amid recurring reports of ammunition shortages among Ukrainian forces, particularly along the Donetsk frontlines. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Ukrainian units have frequently faced what soldiers described as “shell hunger" with limited artillery support and rationed munitions affecting frontline operations.
Despite intermittent improvements following Western resupply efforts, several accounts from the summer and autumn of 2025 indicate that shortages have persisted unevenly across sectors, straining Ukrainian positions and morale.
Read more: Russia's munition production is more than that of US, EU combined: NYT
Russian forces breach Pokrovsk
Earlier on Friday, Ukrainian special forces were deployed by helicopter into Pokrovsk, a key city in eastern Donetsk Oblast, as Russian troops breached the city’s defensive perimeter, sources cited by Reuters said. The operation, overseen by Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, hopes to stabilize Ukrainian positions in parts of the city currently being overtaken by Russian forces.
Pokrovsk, an important transport hub linking roads and rail lines across eastern Donetsk, has been a focal point for Russian forces seeking to consolidate control in the region. Reports indicate that at least 200 Russian troops have entered the city’s perimeter, marking a significant advance after months of incremental pressure. Open-source mapping suggests that roughly half of the city remains contested, with neither side in full control.
The breach of Pokrovsk carries strategic weight for Moscow. Securing the city would allow Russian forces to strengthen their supply lines and consolidate territorial gains. Ukrainian officials describe the situation as “difficult", with urgent reinforcement and resupply required to hold the city.
A myriad of problems
On the frontlines, Ukrainian soldiers reel under the lack of supplies of ammunition, food, and medical equipment, as damaged roads and combat make resupply and evacuation dangerous.
Communication is frequently disrupted, and long deployments without rotation lead to fatigue and psychological strain.
Moreover, forced conscription has added to tensions, with civilians and reservists being forced into service despite inadequate training or preparation, further deepening the sense of hardship and uncertainty among troops on the ground.
Read more: Pentagon approves Tomahawk supply to Ukraine, awaits Trump's final nod
