Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP
- A Russian soldier was caught complaining on an intercepted phone call.
- He said his unit had no ammo and was being given "one grenade per person, only to blow up ourselves."
- He also complained about not getting paid and said his family was going hungry back home.
An intercepted phone call revealed a Russian soldier complaining that troops in his unit were being given just one grenade each, and that they were being given it so they could kill themselves.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine published the audio on Tuesday, saying it showed a Russian military serviceman complaining about ammunition shortages and not getting paid.
The soldier said his comrades were being told to take ammunition with them when moving out to fight, but that they didn't have any.
According to the audio, he then said: "We have one grenade per person, only to blow up ourselves. This is it: 'Russian Federation Army.'"
It's not clear when the audio dates from, or what part of the military the soldier was in. It's also not clear who the soldier was talking to, or where he was when he was speaking.
The Russian defense ministry did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
In the audio clip, the soldier also complained that his family back home was hungry and that he had no money, and said he would go to his commander the next morning if money didn't arrive.
Multiple reports, as well as captured Russian soldiers, have said that Russian troops aren't being given enough ammunition or supplies.
The UK defense ministry said in March that Russians in Bakhmut were likely forced into close-quarters fighting with Ukrainians because they didn't have enough artillery ammunition.
And in June, Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that Russia didn't have enough equipment, including "high-precision ammunition, communications equipment, aircraft, drones, and so on."
Russian troops have also reported not getting the money they were promised for fighting in Ukraine.
In November, more than 100 soldiers went on strike saying they wouldn't fight until they got the 195,000 rubles ($3,170) they were due.