Reports from Russian Telegram channels, and translated by WarTranslated on X , allege that some trench candles distributed to Russian soldiers contain hidden explosive devices. The channel warned soldiers to accept these items only from trusted sources, claiming that the candles are being tampered with at the manufacturing stage.
According to the statement, the modified candles contain TNT and bolts as destructive elements. These explosives are reportedly rigged to detonate after a brief period of burning. An image accompanying the claims shows a cut-open trench candle with visible components of the explosive material and bolts.
The Russians are once again complaining about trench candles packed with explosives that are being sent to them from Russia. These candles have been found to contain TNT and are filled with bolts. pic.twitter.com/C3mqTtbtSc
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) January 14, 2025
Trench candles are small, portable heating and cooking devices traditionally made from tin cans, corrugated cardboard, and paraffin wax. These items have been used in military contexts since World War II and serve multiple purposes, including providing light, warmth, and the ability to cook food or boil water.
Volunteers in both Ukraine and Russia have produced large quantities of trench candles for soldiers since the onset of the war. Ukrainian initiatives have delivered thousands of such candles to troops in southern and eastern regions.
Work in progress.
We have a request for 2000 trench candles💪🫡🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/9yZZ2V5p83
— Лeksa 🇺🇦 (@lexa_lrnt) February 16, 2024
The Zona_P report is not the first instance of complaints about explosive devices hidden in trench candles. In a previous video circulating on Telegram, a Russian soldier demonstrated what appeared to be a tampered candle, expressing frustration and issuing threats against those responsible for their production. While the source of these altered candles remains unclear, they are reportedly being distributed under the guise of humanitarian aid.
A Russian soldier discovered a troubling issue: the trench candles sent by civilians were exploding instead of burning properly, possibly rigged with explosives. Enraged, he vowed to return and issued threats of retaliation against the babushkas who had crafted them. pic.twitter.com/V3gH9iMN4A
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) January 12, 2025
The use of trench candles has also been tied to efforts in occupied territories. According to Ukraine’s Chief Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, Russian authorities in occupied Ukrainian regions have mandated that students produce trench candles as part of their education. This activity has been criticized by Ukrainian officials, who argue it is part of broader efforts to militarize and indoctrinate children.
The claims surrounding explosive trench candles have not been independently verified by SOFX or other reputable sources, and it remains uncertain whether these incidents are isolated or widespread.
