A Russian serviceman has posted what appears to be a suicide note to his popular Telegram channel days after reporting 16,000 Russian losses in Avdiivka.
Andrei Morozov referred obscurely to pressure from his command, including to delete a post under threat of withholding shells, helicopters and tanks from his brigade.
Mr Morozov, whose channel "They write to us from Ioannina" is followed my 108,000 accounts, spoke of shell-shocked soldiers in Avdiivka who "saw everything" but "cannot tell because they are intimidated".
Chief medical officers in his regiment were refusing to register cases of shrapnel injury, concussion or shell-shock - which would allow soldiers to seek treatment - before sending them into battle where "many died", he claimed.
"I will shoot myself if no one dares to take on this trifling matter. And they will give you tanks and copters," read the post, translated by Google.
"Friends, do not be sad about my death. Let me spare you the pompous speeches at the funeral."
A Telegram account run under the name of lawyer Maxim Pashkov said Mr Morozov shot himself overnight, after the pair had spoken.
Sky News cannot independently confirm this report.
Mr Morozov repeated the Kremlin's boilerplate justifications for the war in Ukraine, but turned on generals he said had captured Russia and were "ready to 'sacrifice' thousands of soldiers just to 'distinguish themselves'", as well as "journalists who build their careers on lies".
Mr Morozov alleged pressure to threaten him came from "political prostitutes led by Vladimir Solovyov", a Russian TV presenter.
Russian propagandists reportedly criticised Mr Morozov after he detailed heavy losses in Avdiivka.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.