Russian servicemen have complained of being used as "cannon fodder" as Vladimir Putin continues to send young men to the slaughter in Ukraine.

One Russian soldier - who was one of the 400 former inmates recruited from Russia's prisons - has told Ukrainian media how their Wagner Group commander sent them forward to "scout" ahead as the experienced troops waited in the wings.

He said: "We are being used as cannon fodder. Our commander sent us forward, at first we were walking alongside, but when we looked back, they were very far behind.

"Usual cannon fodder: They wanted us to scout their positions, to see who’s where... We’re like cannon fodder..."

The man claimed they were given a "completely different story" when they were personally recruited from Russia's prisons by Wagner's chief, Yevgney Prigozhin.

Prigozhin told the recruits they would be fighting alongside the more "experienced" and established soldiers, who would train them, he claimed.

They were also told they wouldn't be headed to the front lines.