Secretly recorded conversations of Russian soldiers speaking from the front lines in Ukraine shed light on their growing desire to escape the ongoing war, according to audio intercepts obtained and verified by The Associated Press (AP).

The intercepted calls, which took place in January 2023 and have been edited for length and clarity, provide a rare glimpse into the thoughts and experiences of Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. The soldiers can be heard using coded language, referring to "200s" to signify the dead, "300s" for the wounded, and even mentioning "500s" - individuals who refuse to fight.

The recordings not only reveal the progression of the war, from professional soldiers initially sent by Vladimir Putin to a mix of conscripts from various backgrounds, but also highlight the toll it has taken on soldiers' mental and emotional well-being. Many of them express their desire to return home, recounting the hardships they have endured and the lives lost.

One soldier, nicknamed "Crazy Professor," expressed his haunting guilt over the possibility of killing young people on the other side. Another soldier named Artyom acknowledged the senselessness of the war, yet felt compelled to stay and protect his comrades in the trenches.

The conversations also expose the harsh conditions faced by these soldiers, including living off rainwater and resorting to gruesome tactics such as killing with knives. They speak of being forgotten and exhausted, longing for the chance to leave the war zone and reunite with their families.

The AP verified the identities of individuals in the recordings by speaking with their relatives and soldiers still deployed in Ukraine. To protect their safety, the names and identifying information have been withheld.

The timing of the intercepted calls is significant, as they coincided with the beginning of what would become the deadliest season of the war, with tens of thousands of casualties. These recordings serve as a warning, underscoring the urgent need for Russia to replenish its troops and the toll the war has taken on its soldiers.

As the conflict continues into its second winter, the clandestine recordings offer a somber reminder of the human cost and the toll it takes on those directly involved. The desperation permeating these conversations highlights the profound impact that war has on individuals and their loved ones.

The war in Ukraine, which has now lasted several years, has not only deeply affected the soldiers on the front lines but has also irrevocably changed the lives of those living in the conflict zone. The recordings serve as a stark reminder of the profound consequences of war and the urgent need for a resolution to end the suffering endured by both sides.