Disturbing reports from the front. "Helmets are being removed from the dead"

The Kremlin continues to deploy ill-equipped and inadequately trained reservists to the front line. As reported by Ukrainian media, the shortfall of equipment within the Russian army is so severe that soldiers are compelled to use gear from their deceased comrades.

24tv.ua reveals situations on battling fronts where Russians retrieve helmets and bulletproof vests from their slain colleagues.

Even if this equipment comes damaged, it rapidly finds its way to the hands of reservists who are thrust into combat without such crucial protection.

Evidence suggests that enduring equipment shortages in the Russian army will become increasingly difficult to abate. The influx of new soldiers significantly outpaces the production capabilities of their arms industry.

In early December, Vladimir Putin signed a decree to augment the Russian Federation Armed Forces by around 170,000 soldiers. Consequently, Putin's forces will soon be consisting of approximately 1,320,000 soldiers.

The Russian Ministry of Defense asserts that this increase in military strength is in response to the "escalating threats to the Russian Federation tied to the Northern Military District and the ongoing NATO expansion."