Russian Soldiers 'Demoralized And Shaken,' Use 'Defective' Missiles' To Attack Ukraine

Morale is steadily decreasing among Russian soldiers as Ukraine continues to pound occupied regions in the south in its counteroffensive operations, a Ukrainian official said Monday.

Speaking to Media Center Ukraine, Natalia Humeniuk, Head of the United Coordinating Press Center of Security and Defense Forces of the South of Ukraine, said many Russian military personnel are now "demoralized and shaken" after realizing they may lose the war against Ukraine's forces.

"All Russian POWs that have been added to our exchange pool share the realization of their lack of prospects in this war. They are being left behind; Ukraine's Armed Forces impose logistical constraints; the invaders are demoralized and shaken in terms of their morale," Humeniuk said.

In addition to low morale, the Russian army is reportedly being forced to use defective missiles after the Ukrainian army destroyed key bridges in Kherson, which cut off an important supply line for the Russians.

"The invaders cannot resupply the missiles for their S-300 air defense systems; they are being used up. So we can see they are launching even the missiles rejected as defective. We notice it from how they are launching them," Humeniuk added.

Humeniuk's remark isn't the first time officials have alluded to falling morale levels among Russian troops. On Monday, Ukraine's Operational Command South said soldiers with Russia's 127th Regiment of the 1st Army Corps had rioted and refused to participate in the war due to a lack of support and water supplies. They have since been removed from their unit as punishment.

In August, it was reported that at least 140 Russian soldiers were thrown in jail by their commanders after they refused to participate further in the fighting in Ukraine. The soldiers, who were put behind bars in eastern Ukraine, allegedly cited the invasion's "total disregard for human life" as their reason for refusing to fight on the frontline, The Guardian reported.

As of Monday, Russia has lost 49,800 soldiers, according to estimates from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Moscow has begun efforts to replenish its forces, including recruiting prisoners with combat experience as well as people in mental health centers.