The UK Defence Intelligence has examined information regarding drug dependency and alcohol abuse among the ranks of the Russian occupying forces.
The UK intelligence cited information from the independent Russian media outlet Verstka, indicating that up to 15% of Russian soldiers currently deployed in Ukraine are using drugs, including amphetamines and cannabis. According to the source, obtaining these drugs is easy even on the front lines.
The report from UK analysts highlighted the credibility of this information, pointing out numerous accounts of disciplinary violations, crimes, and deaths linked to alcohol abuse among Russian military personnel since the initiation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The review underscored that Russian commanders address issues of alcohol and drug abuse by assigning offenders to Storm-Z infantry units, which have effectively become penal units.
UK intelligence suggested that the lack of combat unit rotations is contributing to low discipline and drug abuse within the ranks of the Russian occupation forces.
