A video gives a glimpse into Moscow’s ‘meat grinder’ tactics but record losses are met with apparent indifference

Huddled in an undisclosed location near the frontlines, the two Russian soldiers appeared desperate as they recorded what they feared might be their final message.

Introducing themselves as Vyacheslav Trutnev and Dmitry Ostrovsky, from the 132nd Brigade of the 109th Regiment, the men recounted how they fled their position in eastern Ukraine after their company commander ordered them to advance at night through minefields to a new location, a move they called a “suicide mission”.