Russian troops in Ukraine are increasingly using amphetamines and narcotics, including heroin, which are easy to obtain by soldiers in combat units, according to a recent report from the Russian independent media outlet Vertska.

One out of 10 Russian soldiers in Ukraine are smoking marijuana and many others use more potent substances. Drug traffickers in the occupied territories transport the contraband straight to the front lines, Vertska reported after interviewing dozens of Russian troops sent to Ukraine.

“These reports are credible and follow numerous reports since the invasion of a high rate of disciplinary incidents, crimes, and deaths related to alcohol abuse among the Russian force,” British officials said Monday.

A lack of opportunity for combat troops to rotate off the front line is one of the core drivers of poor morale and disciplinary problems in the Russian ranks, British officials said. 

“Everyone knows if you use drugs in the trenches, of course, the dugout is small,” a 29-year-old soldier from Siberia assigned to a unit fighting near Lugansk in the disputed Donbas region told Vertska. “The main thing is, don’t bother anyone. Just don’t leave the dugout.”

Russian commanders routinely punish drug users and alcohol abusers by posting them to Storm-Z assault detachments, which have effectively become penal units, British military officials said. 

“Their people are always on the front line and take the fire. Ninety-five percent of them are on ‘Death Row,’” a Russian soldier who knew someone transferred to one of the punishment units told Vertska.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.