According to the White House, the Russian armed forces are reportedly carrying out disciplinary actions against soldiers who fail to comply with orders regarding the conflict in Ukraine. This is seen as a potential indication of low morale among Russian troops.

At a press conference, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, John Kirby, stated that they have received information about the Russian military carrying out executions of soldiers who refuse to comply with orders.

Kirby also stated that there is evidence of Russian leaders warning to kill entire groups of soldiers if they attempt to withdraw from Ukrainian artillery attacks. He condemned this action as inhumane.

The Russian embassy in Washington did not promptly respond to VOA’s email asking for a comment.

According to the White House, certain Russian soldiers were recently killed near the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka at the direction of their own commanders.

Since mid-October, there has been ongoing conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces over the town of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region. According to the Ukrainian military, the town has been heavily damaged by recent Russian airstrikes and is now mostly destroyed.

According to a spokesperson for the Ukrainian army, Russian troops have recently been declining to launch attacks on Ukrainian positions near the town due to significant casualties. The spokesperson also mentioned that certain Russian units have encountered mutinies.

According to Kirby, Russia’s mobilized troops are not adequately trained, supplied, or ready for battle. This was evident in their unsuccessful winter offensive last year. Additionally, Kirby suggests that Russia may be utilizing “human wave” strategies.

According to Kirby, the lack of proper equipment, leadership, resources, and support is causing Russian forces to have low morale.

On Thursday, the United States declared that it would be giving Ukraine an extra $150 million in military aid. This assistance will consist of ammunition for artillery and small firearms, as well as anti-tank weapons.

So far, Kyiv has received $43.9 billion in security assistance from Washington since Russia’s invasion, making the United States the largest contributor to Ukraine’s security. However, potential future assistance from the U.S. may be at risk due to increasing opposition from Republicans.

The newest bundle also contained anti-aircraft missiles and equipment for cold weather.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that it is crucial to enhance air defense in preparation for winter to safeguard Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

As winter approaches, Ukraine announced on Thursday that its Black Sea grain corridor is still operational, despite previous claims that it had been put on hold.

“According to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, ships that have traveled through the temporary #Ukrainian_corridor are still being handled at the ports in Big Odesa.”

He stated that all of the routes currently being utilized by civilian ships have been authorized by the Ukrainian Navy and are considered valid.

The sources for the information in this report include Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and The Associated Press.