Unarmed Russian soldiers run into Ukrainian fire for the sole purpose of digging trenches or carrying ammunition. Those who refuse could be killed or imprisoned, report says.

• Russian forces are in a prolonged battle with Ukrainian soldiers to capture Bakhmut.
• They've slowly made advances in part by using anti-retreat units, Ukrainian commanders told NYT.
• The unit includes men who push forward into enemy lines while digging foxholes or carrying ammunition.

Unarmed men with the sole purpose of digging trenches or carrying ammunition are being sent toward Ukrainian fire as part of Russia's unrelenting efforts to capture Bakhmut, according to Ukrainian soldiers who spoke to The New York Times.