In Dnipro Delta, Trapped Russian Marines "Rotting Alive" Without Supplies

Russian forces have, without success, attempted to use islands in the mouth of the Dnipro delta as a jumping off point for attacks to regain a foothold on the west (right) bank of the river near Kherson. 

But a combination of effective Ukrainian drone defenses and Russian logistical, command and manpower issues has thwarted those plans. Now, a growing number of reports suggest that the Russian troops, mostly naval infantry, are trapped, low on supplies and suffering a variety of ailments due to the harsh clime. JL

The Kyiv Post reports:

Russian troops stationed on Nestyha and Bugaz islands in the Dnipro River delta near Kherson are on the brink of total logistical collapse. Supplies are sporadically delivered by drones but insufficient. Proper medical care is virtually non-existent. Due to constant dampness and unsanitary conditions, fungal infections, festering sores, and skin diseases are spreading. "They are literally rotting." Since Ukrainian forces liberated the right-bank part of Kherson region in 2022, these territories have become a “gray zone.”

The Ukrainian partisan movement Atesh reports a critical situation among Russian troops stationed on Nestyha and Bugaz islands in the Dnipro River delta near Kherson.

According to agents embedded in Russia’s 61st Separate Marine Brigade, commanders are deliberately withholding troop rotations – some soldiers have remained in position since January 2025.

“The brigade’s command is intentionally not rotating certain servicemen. Some have been stuck on these islands for several months,” Atesh agents report.

 

The troops are on the brink of total logistical collapse. Supplies are sporadically delivered by drones but are critically insufficient. Wounded soldiers are evacuated using inflatable boats. Proper medical care is virtually non-existent, as there are no medicines available, according to reports from embedded agents.

 

Rotting Alive: Fungal Infections, Sores, and Even Frostbite

Due to constant dampness and unsanitary conditions, fungal infections, festering sores, and skin diseases are spreading among the troops. Some are reportedly suffering from frostbite – despite the spring weather.

“The morale of the soldiers is critical. They are literally rotting on these islands – both physically and mentally,” Atesh added.

They close their statement with dark humor:

“Don’t want a one-way ticket to the islands? Message us – we’ll tell you how to avoid it.”

 

The Dnipro Delta remains one of the hottest front lines in the war. Following Ukraine’s counteroffensive in 2023, the area turned into a swampy trap – especially for Russian forces, who, according to analysts, continue to suffer from severe logistical and personnel management problems.

Since the liberation of the right-bank part of Kherson region in 2022, these territories have become a “gray zone,” where intense clashes continue between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Russian troops have been trying to fortify positions on islands like Nestyha, Bugaz, Milkyi, Kozatskyi, and Velykyi Potemkin Island to control the Dnipro River and apply pressure on Ukrainian positions.