Photographs of Ukrainian soldiers near Kupyansk went viral across social media. Men with visible ribs, empty gazes, on the edge of collapse. "People are deployed without food and water. Command is not responding. Fighters lose consciousness from hunger and drink rainwater," the soldiers wrote on social networks.

The Ukrainian army acknowledged serious logistical failures on the Kupyansk front. The investigation triggered by public outcry led to the dismissal of multiple commanders from the 2nd Mechanized Battalion of the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

Russian attacks cut supply lines

The General Staff attributed the difficulties to systematic Russian air and missile strikes on crossings over the Oskil River, severely hampering supplies to units near Kupyansk in Kharkiv region. Currently, resupply relies on watercraft and heavy drones - temporary, risky, and limited solutions.

Internal failures acknowledged

Beyond external pressure, the military confirmed internal shortcomings. The brigade command failed to accurately report battlefield conditions, contributing to lost positions and inadequate unit support. One position had confirmed food supply problems - soldiers endured up to 17 days without adequate sustenance.

The brigade commander was dismissed and the 10th Army Corps commander demoted. Seventeen days without food, fighters collapsing, and a system that does not react until photos end up on the internet. This is not propaganda - these are people starving while they fight.