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Russian troops in Ukraine are likely facing water shortages, the UK’s Ministry of Defence has said.
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It likely comes as the result of Russian strikes on utility infrastructure, the MoD said.
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Some troops have now resorted to taking water from “stagnant puddles,” the department added.
Russian troops fighting in Ukraine are likely facing water shortages, with some turning to “stagnant puddles” to get water, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an update on the conflict.
“Damage inflicted during ongoing Russian strikes against utilities infrastructure is now almost certainly curtailing water supply,” the MoD said in an update on the conflict, adding that any issues had been “exacerbated by a period of above average temperature in the region.”
In response, Russian forces have resorted to makeshift water filtration techniques, using “stagnant puddles for daily water requirements,” per the MoD, which adds that this has “highly likely led to an increase of waterborne diseases amongst Russian soldiers.”
“This shortage of water leading to dehydration and increased risk of infection, will almost certainly impact morale and operational effectiveness,” it adds.
The MoD also referenced the account of a pro-Russian military blogger who said that Russian pilots had been limited to one liter of water a day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people working in high temperatures drink one cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes — around three-quarters to one quart (almost one liter) per hour.
Ukraine has experienced record-breaking temperatures this summer.
On July 16, Kyiv hit 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 degrees Fahrenheit), the highest temperature on record for that date, according to the Borys Sreznevsky Central Geophysical Observatory.
The high temperatures have led to electricity cuts and negatively impacted grain and oilseed crops, per Reuters.
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