RUSSIAN ARMY’S TB HELL

Lag conscripts spread disease

MANY Russian troops forced to fight on the front line have serious health problems, British defence experts believe.

Prisoners press-ganged into battle often suffer from tuberculosis, other security sources say.

As well as ill reservists being made to fight, they have inadequate training and equipment, and take high casualties as they dig “ambitious” trench systems.

An MoD update also suggests that increasing numbers of Russian families are protesting at the conditions their relatives endure.

But Russian attacks continue. In recently freed Kherson, civilians came under bombardment overnight. Four died in a coffee shop and a woman was killed next to her house. Around 70% of Kyiv is without power, said mayor Vitali Klitschko. Residents struggle to find water after missile strikes.

Ukraine has opened “points of invincibility” – places with heat, power and hot meals available.

Ukraine says Russia has lost 86,150 personnel, 2,899 tanks, 278 planes, 261 helicopters and 16 ships.

President Volodymyr Zelensky remained defiant, saying: “Russia has not found a way to break us, and will not find one.”

On a visit to Kyiv, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the UK will pledge millions more in aid.

British money will also help Ukraine’s schools restart classes.