The Russian soldier also said his unit's commander and deputy were wounded in Ukrainian shelling.
Both Russian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries deployed in Donetsk Oblast were reportedly suffering from dangerous infections.
A former commander in Russia's Wagner private military company has spoken up about the group's brutality.
A deputy minister of Ukraine's health ministry said the surge in COVID-19 cases was due to seasonal elements, as the country is in the middle of winter.
Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Ukraine's education system for creating an anti-Russian sentiment.
A foreign policy expert said Russia is unlikely to achieve its original goals of overthrowing the Ukrainian government.
Russian official Igor Kirillov said Moscow's troops obtained thousands of documents referring to the experiment.
Kyrylo Budanov said it was necessary to actively integrate into Euro-Atlantic and European structures.
Russia has sent 14 Ukrainian kids to an orphanage known for its reputation as a "children's concentration camp" for its cruelty and neglect.
At least five crematoriums have opened across Russia in the past year alone.
Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that invading Ukraine would create an "utter catastrophe."
Former President Donald Trump made the claim during his 2024 campaign stop in South Carolina.
Germany and the U.S. both recently agreed to send Abrams and Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made the vow during a meeting with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Staff.
At Ukraine front, embattled Bakhmut residents desperate for water
'Fierce' battle in Ukraine for Vugledar near Donetsk
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded the Biden administration stop providing military assistance to Ukraine since Russia started the war.
Russia is claiming it is killing up to 200 Ukrainian military troops daily in the Zaporozhye region.
President Vladimir Putin's former speechwriter Abbas Gallyamov also said the Russian public is realizing the Kremlin is unlikely to take over the Kyiv regime.
The Iranian-made Shahed drones were launched from the eastern coast of the Sea of Azov on Thursday evening.
Ukrainian intelligence suggests that at least five mobile crematoriums are following behind the Russian army's frontline positions.
Experts said surviving a fatal blast wave is possible, provided that people can find the right type of shelter.