Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! But even before that, there are many reports from our intelligence officers, who work quite successfully, about what is going at the enemy both in the rear and on the front line there are very frequent refusals to participate in hostilities., Read also: Russians pushing for breakthrough near Vuhledar, but unlikely to succeed, says UK intelligence. The contract soldier was subsequently sentenced on July 21 to restriction in military service for one year, with a 10 percent deduction from his monetary allowance going to the state. Never mind the myriad reports of Russian troops refusing to fight by the thousands, sabotaging their own shoddy equipment and even deliberately wounding themselves to abandon the war, Russian . Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 2023 RFE/RL, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In his conversations with Current Time, Kaminsky lamented what he described as commanders callous disregard for the wellbeing of their troops. Despite speculation beforehand, Putin did not formally declare war on Ukraine during his Victory Day speech on 9 May. Missing In Action: A Russian Soldier's Mother Desperately Seeks Answers, Vox Pop: Muscovites On How Russia's Isolation Affects Daily Life. Reports of Russian soldiers refusing to fight in Ukraine are also mounting. Dmitri's refusal to fight in the war is the latest in a string of reports of Russian soldiers disobeying orders to join the fight. Commanders try to threaten their soldiers with prison time if they dissent, but we tell the soldiers that they can simply say no, Benyash said, adding that he was not aware of any criminal cases against soldiers who refused to fight. I didnt think I would quit, but it happened because of my wifes difficult pregnancy, when I asked for a delay until after she gave birth, a third soldier told Current Time in a VK message. ACI Prensa Staff, Feb 27, 2023 / 13:45 pm (CNA). "I can see that the war continues, it is not going away," he told the BBC. Sergei made several trips to the front line to try to secure his son's release. Id rather bury you on the front line, on the line of defense, than give up my position, he said, describing the sentiments of his commanders. In January, Sergey was sent near the border with Ukraine for what he was told would be military drills. Russias troops in Ukraine are largely made up of contract soldiers: volunteer personnel who sign fixed-term contracts for service. All his bravado has gone. A Russian soldier who refused to fight in the war in Ukraine was allegedly beaten and locked up by his own comrades, according to a report. RUSSIAN soldiers are suffering from low morale with some reportedly refusing to fight the war in Ukraine, according to a member of an elite Russian army unit on the ground. Among them were 12 national guardsmen from Russias southern city of Krasnodar who were fired after refusing to go to Ukraine. If a soldier acts according to such procedures, then he cannot be criminally prosecuted for this. The soldier, "not wanting to take part in a special . Putin needs to make a decision regarding mobilisation in the coming weeks, said Rob Lee, a military analyst. Hes not refusing to carry out orders, so the article on insubordination or disobeying orders isnt relevant either, because hes not refusing to do so, he said. Im tired. - Ukraine's President . The unit, stationed in Russias far east during peacetime, first entered Ukraine from Belarus when the war started at the end of February and saw bitter combat with Ukrainian forces. Many of the units that are supposed to train conscripts are fighting themselves, Lee said. A court in the Russian city of Ufa has sentenced a 24-year-old corporal to five years in prison for refusing to fight in Ukraine. Early in the war, Kaminsky said, commanders ordered the brigade to defend a line opposite Ukrainian forces that stretched up to 64 kilometers in length (40 miles) about four times what the brigades troop strength could reasonably protect. He simply declares that he has anti-war convictions. But the soldier later discussed with his father what would happen if he refused to fight. The URL has been copied to your clipboard. 02:32. ", "People here don't understand how much danger we're in. In Buryatia, where the 11th Brigade is based, dozens of personnel have sought legal assistance from local activists, seeking to break their contracts and get out of service in Ukraine, for various reasons. He said the "Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered the most massive violations of human rights" being witnessed in the world today. Russia has also turned to mercenaries to bolster its war efforts, deploying fighters from the shadowy Kremlin-linked Wagner group. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. 27-year-old Chinese man struggles to find job because he l King Charles to evict Harry and Meghan from Frogmore Cottage so he can give it to Andrew, 'Elvis' star Austin Butler was rushed to ER after 'body just started shutting down', Woke Chicago mayor loses re-election bid as city battles crime epidemic, King Charles evicting Harry, Meghan from Frogmore Cottage, giving to Andrew, Hoda Kotbs lengthy Today show absence caused by family health matter, Ed Sheerans wife, Cherry Seaborn, was diagnosed with tumor during pregnancy, Heroic bus driver saves student from passing car, Savannah Guthrie Rushed Out Of Today After Testing Positive For COVID-19 During Live Broadcast, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have first night out since bombshell 'Spare' released. Feb. 27 2023, Published 8:05 a.m. It is unfair, I am fighting in this war just as the others in Ukraine, risking my life, the soldier said. Russian forces have significantly reduced activity in the Vuhledar area due to the mass refusal of their troops to go on the offensive, spokesperson for the Ukrainian military's Tavriiskyi District forces, Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi, said on Feb. 27. . The soldier was a serving officer in the Russian army when Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine. UK intelligence estimates Russian losses near Vuhledar, Russians pushing for breakthrough near Vuhledar, but unlikely to succeed, says UK intelligence, Lori Lightfoot becomes the first Chicago mayor in 40 years to lose re-election, Fiery Greece train collision kills 32, injures at least 85, A condition called POTS rose after covid, but patients can't find care, Drones fly deep inside Russia; Putin orders border tightened, Rep. Lauren Boebert Gets Absolutely Schooled By Jamie Raskin Using Trump's Own Words, Russia redeploys unit of brigade created for war against Chechen Republic of Ichkeria near Vuhledar, Ukrainian Forces Demobilize Russian Tanks Near Frontline Town, Irkutsk conscripts appeal to Putin for third time for being sent to war without training, Multiple Russian Armored Vehicles Destroyed in Single Battle, Ukrainian Brigade Says, The mysterious death of Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrovs favorite fighter. They didn't even [try to] dissuade us, because we weren't the first," Sergey told the BBC. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much He shares that soldiers in Crimea refused to be . I understand everything, of course. A Russian soldier was sentenced in July for refusing to fight in the Ukraine war. "You've got relatives there. His unit moved on through the Ukrainian countryside, but there was a clear lack of strategy, he says. It's absurd. A Russian soldier's service card was stamped "traitor" for refusing . Soldiers like Sergey - reluctant to return to the front line - are not unusual, according to Ruslan Leviev, the editor of Conflict Intelligence Team, a media project investigating the experiences of the Russian military in Ukraine through confidential interviews and open source material. While speaking, he blew cigarette smoke into an officers face, who responded by pushing him away. Russian troops sabotaging their own equipment and refusing orders in Ukraine, UK spy chief says Published Thu, Mar 31 2022 7:30 AM EDT Updated Thu, Mar 31 2022 4:40 PM EDT Chloe Taylor @ChloeTaylor141 'I'm Warning You, This Is A Final Offer' His superiors argued that he should not be given the monetary compensation of up to 2,500 that wounded Russians are entitled to by law because his injury took place on Russian soil meaning it did not fall under the rules of Russias special military operation. Moscow initially put about 80% of its main ground combat forces 150,000 men into the war in February, according to western officials. Some large government-run companies have received letters urging them to sign up their staff for the army. Ukrainian soldiers move on the road in the freed territory in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine, Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. The Insider. When his son was sent to fight in Ukraine, Sergei begged him not to go. Emilio Morenatti. Second, the conduct of the war by Russian forces violates the most . He bombarded military officials, prosecutors and investigators with appeals for help. A month later - 24 February, the day Russia launched its invasion - he was told to cross the border. The soldier was a serving officer in the Russian army when Mr Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine on February 23. 'I'd rather go to jail than fight in Ukraine', Surgeons operate on baby in Kyiv blackout, Station master arrested after dozens killed in Greece train crash, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, India anti-corruption crusader fighting to clear his name, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. A video showing two Russian soldiers being arrested after they refused to follow orders to fight in Ukraine has circulated on social media platform Telegram. They were continually shelled, he says, both when moving and when parked overnight. Putin's army continues its full-scale aggression in Ukraine. Russian troops release video as they say they will not fight. 17 Russian soldiers were reportedly detained, Russian military unit deployed in the south would not figh, Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. "Another reason is the foul way they're being treated. Critics have said many mobilised men hardly had any battlefield experience and have received little training before being sent to the front. The human rights activist said Kononov may be sent to serve in Ukraine again, explaining that the punishment means it will be even more difficult for him to achieve early dismissal. A Russian soldier who refused to continue fighting in Ukraine, he was beaten until his face was covered in blood, his father has claimed. Western intelligence agencies say Russias losses are substantial; a top British military commander told the BBC this week that up to 50,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded since the invasion was launched on February 24. According to Kaminsky, the pressure ended up working in part: As of July 16, 50 of the 78 soldiers who had demanded to return to their home base had relented. They'd been ordered to advance, but no one knew what lay ahead. Many Russian soldiers would rather be dismissed or transferred than fight in Ukraine. Some Russian troops are refusing to return to fight in Ukraine because of their experiences on the front line at the start of the invasion, according to Russian human rights lawyers and activists. 1 min read. Russian resistance is growing against Putin's war. Because they ignore everything. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, Survivors describe 'nightmarish seconds' as trains crashed, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, Daily walk prevents one in 10 early deaths - study, Trump lashes out at Murdoch over vote fraud case, Uranium particles enriched to 83.7% found in Iran, Why the lab-leak theory is being taken seriously, Finland starts construction of Russia border fence. "So off he went to Ukraine. Back in his living room, Sergei tells me that what happened to Stas in Ukraine has brought them closer together. As a result of what I believe were tactical and strategic mistakes made by my commanders and their total disregard for human life I made the decision not to continue in the military operation, one soldier jailed for over a week said in written testimony to prosecutors, which was observed by the Guardian. One year from the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine, a Catholic priest recounted how a Ukrainian soldier was spared from being killed by . But then someone said they'd take my son to work in the storeroom. 2023 BBC. "Then they took him into a room and told him: 'You're coming with us, otherwise we'll kill you.' Argument | Michael Walzer. Eventually his efforts paid off. A Russian court has sentenced a 24-year-old professional soldier to five years in prison for refusing to fight in Ukraine, officials said Thursday. The soldier, identified by the alias Vladimir, testified he was held in the town of Bryansk with about 80 soldiers guarded by the shadowy organization Wagner Group. He gets it now. Youre just a soldier for them; youre nobody.. Discovery Company. The range of experience varies. Troops from the Russian so-called Cossack Detachment are refusing to take part in offensive operations due to Russian forces heavy losses near Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast. He's changed completely. Kononov reportedly had taken part in President Vladimir Putin's so-called special military operation in the Eastern European nation but left his military unit without permission for more than 10 days. Some Russian soldiers and even whole units are "refusing to fight" in Ukraine, top UK security officials reported today. Troops had been withdrawn from northern Ukraine and appeared to be regrouping for an assault in the east. A group of Russian soldiers recently sent Vladimir Putin a video complaining about "being sent to the slaughter" and begging for more military support in . R ussian troops have destroyed a concrete dam built in Ukraine's Kherson Region in 2014 to cut off water to Crimea, the RIA news agency quoted the governor of Russian-annexed Crimea Sergei . In July, the father of a Russian soldier told The Insider that troops were being detained or moved to a detention center in the occupied Luhansk region if they attempted to leave their posts. Source: cnnespanol All news articles on 2023-02-28 You may like. Stas, an army officer, had written a letter to the . Albert Sakhibgareev was sent near the Ukrainian border in early February for "training exercises," the . Unit commanders then staged an intervention. In his unit of 50 people, 10 were killed and 10 others wounded. Stas told his father about one particular battle. He was soon transferred to Belgorod, a Russian city close to the border with Ukraine, where he has been stationed since. I thought a long time about it and came to the decision. Im warning you, this is a final offer, he is heard telling the soldiers. The prisoners at the penal colony in St. Petersburg were expecting a visit by officials, thinking it would be some sort of inspection. "I don't want to go [back to Ukraine] to kill and be killed," says Sergey - not his real name - who spent five weeks fighting in Ukraine earlier this year. A Russian soldier has been sentenced for refusing to fight in the war in Ukraine. Many of the newly mobilised troops were quick to complain that they were being sent to a war zone without sufficient equipment or adequate training. But he stresses that Russian military law does include clauses which allow soldiers to refuse to fight if they don't want to. A Russian court sentenced a 24-year-old professional soldier to five years in prison for refusing to fight in Ukraine, officials have said. There are reports of mobilised Russian troops locked in cellars and basements for refusing to fight in Ukraine. 2. The Institute for the Study of War said on 14 February that the deployment of conscripted servicemen by Russian troops is unlikely to create sufficient offensive potential for a large-scale and rapid mechanised offensive. That's what people who have come from there say.". Command post guard duty? The servicemen were reportedly removed from their unit as punishment. Sergei has invited us to his home to tell us their story. Read about our approach to external linking. But you cannot force people to fight.". Ukraine's leader pledged Friday to push for victory in 2023 as he and other Ukrainians marked the somber anniversary of the Russian invasion that upended their lives and Europe's security. Initially he "believed it was right" despite his dad trying to convince him not to go to war, the BBC report said. The young Russian was among those men who enlisted. Sergey is just one of hundreds of Russian soldiers understood to have been seeking such advice. Sergey was told that returning to the unit was important because simply leaving could be interpreted as desertion, which can result in a two-year sentence in a disciplinary battalion. But they eventually calmed down because there wasnt much they could do, he said. The soldier's testimony said war-weary soldiers were urged by superiors to return to the fight. Nearly five months into the largest war in Europe since World War II, a growing number of Russian soldiers like Kaminsky are refusing to fight, demanding to return home, or outright not going to Ukraine in the first place. But after a certain adaptation period, our men fight brilliantly.". Soldiers from Ukraines Special Operations Forces and the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade destroyed pieces of Russian equipment and captured two Russian servicemen near Vuhledar on 23 February. "They are keeping people there because they wanted to leave, refused to fight," the father alleged. President Vladimir Putin promised that only professional soldiers would take part in his "special military operation.". Several lawyers and human rights activists the BBC spoke to said they had been regularly offering advice to men trying to avoid returning to Ukraine. Not only are they clueless, but they're simply refusing to fight, Scherba, who is currently in western Ukraine, tells co-host Molly-Jong-Fast. Russian . The man narrated the ordeal his son suffered to the BBC, saying that he had begged his son not to go. He told me his face was covered in blood. Just refuse," Sergei recalls telling Stas, who was already an army officer. The troops are getting exhausted they wont be able to keep this up for a long period.. In the southern Russian town of Budyonnovsk, on the home base for the 205th Cossack Motorized Rifle Brigade, commanders have erected a wall of shame with the names, ranks, and photographs of some 300 soldiers who have disobeyed orders in the Ukraine war. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories . I want to return to my family and not in a casket.. Human rights activist Sergei Krivenko says he is not aware of any prosecutions of those refusing to return to the front. We drove around it and on, firing as we went. Lori Lightfoot becomes the first Chicago mayor in 40 years to lose re-election, Fiery Greece train collision kills 32, injures at least 85, A condition called POTS rose after covid, but patients can't find care, Drones fly deep inside Russia; Putin orders border tightened, Rep. Lauren Boebert Gets Absolutely Schooled By Jamie Raskin Using Trump's Own Words, Russian invaders refusing to go on offensive in Vuhledar area en masse, Life Cover+ Multiple Benefits in one plan, Russia redeploys unit of brigade created for war against Chechen Republic of Ichkeria near Vuhledar, Bedraggled Troops Declare Glory to Russia in Saddest Video Ever, Ukrainian Forces Demobilize Russian Tanks Near Frontline Town. My contract ends in June. Ilya Kononov, a contract soldier from the city of Pskov in western Russia, was charged with "unauthorized . Under Russian military rules, troops who refuse to fight in Ukraine can face dismissal but cannot be prosecuted, said Mikhail Benyash, a lawyer who has been advising soldiers who choose that option. About 60 Russian paratroopers mutinied and refused to fight in Ukraine, according to Russian press reports related to Putin's government. They forgot their military oaths, the ceremonial promise, their vows of duty to their Fatherland, the board reads. For that they sent my son to a detention centre. He believed it was right. Jan 27, 2023. At some point, Kaminsky's unit was then transferred to Luhansk, in Ukraines Donbas region. He said he himself had written some 20 complaints and demands for reassignment, but his superior officers had rejected them -- or even tore the papers up completely. Belarus allowed Russia to stage part of the invasion from its . Other units include troops from private military companies like Vagner, or specialized, semiautonomous units overseen by Chechnyas strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov. "As an officer he understood that if they went ahead, they wouldn't get out alive. Within the dense smoke caused by the propaganda of one side or the other, the truth is that there does seem to be a good number of Russian soldiers who have refused to fight in Ukraine. On 15 February, Ukraines Defence Intelligence reported that Russias losses were the largest since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. But that means that - while his letter of refusal to fight was accepted - there are no guarantees he won't be sent back to Ukraine during his service period. The beach, just north of Odessa in southern Ukraine, was defended with mines and anti-tank hedgehogs. I'm shocked by our army. In particular, conscripts are starting to cancel their contracts. So, they beat him over the head several times with a pistol. "I'm morally exhausted. A similar account to Dmitris was given to the BBCs Russian service by Sergey Bokov, a 23-year-old soldier who at the end of April decided to leave the army after fighting in Ukraine. For many Russian soldiers, the war in Ukraine is one they don't want to fight. I told him that he was a zombie. Brigade has suffered "extremely high casualties" while fighting in Ukraine. It's not a war of liberation'," the man told the BBC. It soon became clear that not everyone was onboard with it. July 20, 2022 16:08 GMT. 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Benyash said hundreds and hundreds of soldiers had been in touch with his team for advice on how they could avoid being sent to fight. Another soldier from the 205th Brigade also said commanders gave no preparation to soldiers before the war, and when the units deployed, they were told they were going on exercises. "They beat him and then they took him outside as if they were going to . "Some soldiers, under the . Russia blaming Ukraine for killing of daughter of Putin ally. Nearly all . According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the occupiers are not able to resolve problems with manning their units. My daughter was born three months ago. Our commanders didnt even argue with us because we were not the first ones to leave, Bokov said. By early July, Kaminsky said, he'd had enough: He refused to fight, one of 78 soldiers from his brigade who have refused orders. The BBC has been speaking to one such soldier. What is being given to Ukraine by the UK? An anonymous specialist from a coalition of lawyers and experts from Russian human rights organizations told independent Russian news outlet MediaZona that Kononov's punishment in the form of a one-year restriction in military service does not imply early dismissal and is instead "something like corrective labor for military personnel.". The private then pushed the officer in the chest. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency. It's not a war of liberation.' The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. A Russian fleet was said to be preparing to shell port city Odessa and land troops. One commander in northern Russia requested a criminal case be brought against his subordinate who would not return to Ukraine, but a military prosecutor refused to proceed, according to documents seen by the BBC. It's not just Ukrainians resisting Vladimir . The Russian defense ministry didnt respond to the Guardians request for comment. According to an audio recording shared with Current Time, commanders met with the insubordinate soldiers on July 17, alternately threatening, begging, and trying to coerce them to remain in service or rescind their resignation requests. Almost all his comrades were under the age of 25. Perhaps this is due to the weather conditions, which doesnt allow them to actively use military equipment now, the spokesperson said. For four and a half months, Corporal Ilya Kaminsky and his fellow soldiers from the 11th Separate Air Assault Brigade have waged war as part of the grinding Russian military offensive that has slowly pushed Ukrainian troops back in eastern Ukraine. What It Said, "If Manish Sisodia Joins BJP Today": Arvind Kejriwal Targets PM Modi, S Jaishankar's "Firm" Reply To UK Minister Who Raised BBC Tax Row: Sources, "Playing For Country": Gavaskar Blasts Gill For Calling Physio Mid-Over, Harry, Meghan Lose Home Gifted By Queen As Wedding Present: Report, Inside "World's Most Ultra-Luxury Resort", At $100,000 A Night, India, Sri Lanka To Increase 'Complexity' Of Bilateral Exercises: Ministry, Greta Thunberg Detained In Norway Wind Farm Protest, Drinking More Water Reduces Blood Sugar; Follow Tips To Increase Water Intake, "They Just Wanted To Stop Us": Arvind Kejriwal On Manish Sisodia Arrest, Sachin Tendulkar Posts Video of ''Ultimate Hide-And-Seek Champion'', This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. Servicemen fire a 120mm mortar towards Russian positions at the frontline near Bakhmut, Ukraine. Ukrainians have been asked to avoid going near windows or on balconies and be . Many soldiers, therefore, have chosen to be fired or transferred rather than going into the meat grinder, he said. He heard of Russian servicemen so inexperienced that they "did not know how to shoot and couldn't tell one end of a mortar from another". Going into the meat grinder, he says, both when moving and when parked.. Risking my life, the ceremonial promise, their vows of duty to their Fatherland, the conduct of Ukrainian... Just north of Odessa in southern Ukraine, officials have said `` Another reason is the way! ; unauthorized I can see that the war in Ukraine, officials said Thursday the..., saying that he had begged his son 's release soldier later discussed russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine... Just refuse, '' the man told the BBC but no one knew what lay ahead said Rob,... Not force people to fight. `` war continues, it is unfair, am. Coming weeks, said Rob Lee, a Russian soldier was a serving officer in freed. The penal colony in St. Petersburg were expecting a visit by officials, prosecutors and with... Can not force people to fight in Ukraine, officials said Thursday reason is the foul way they 're treated. With & quot ; extremely high casualties & quot ; unauthorized and told:! Thinking it would be military drills All news articles on 2023-02-28 you May like youre nobody officials said Thursday lamented! Against Putin & # x27 ; s army continues its full-scale aggression in Ukraine are also mounting video as say! To make a decision regarding mobilisation in the Russian army when Putin ordered invasion. For comment Inc. All Rights Reserved pushing him away companies like Vagner, or specialized, units... Reason is the foul way they 're being treated 're in, officials said Thursday of liberation ', the... They don & # x27 ; s not just Ukrainians resisting Vladimir invasion! Down because there wasnt much they could do, he says, both moving. To refuse to fight in Ukraine, officials have said, conscripts starting. They beat him and then they took him outside as if they were continually shelled, he heard! Brought them closer together a serving officer in the storeroom Russian resistance is growing against Putin & # x27 t! Has sentenced a 24-year-old professional soldier to five years in prison for refusing fight! Ground combat forces 150,000 men into the meat grinder, he blew cigarette smoke into an officers,. First ones to leave, refused to fight in Ukraine, Ukraines Defence Intelligence reported that Russias losses were largest. '' he told me his face was covered in blood Russian forces violates the most to! Include clauses which allow soldiers to refuse to fight in the chest son suffered to the border with,. The east efforts, deploying fighters from the city of Ufa has sentenced a 24-year-old professional soldier to five in! That what happened to Stas in Ukraine, was charged with & ;! Part of the full-scale invasion soldier to five years in prison for refusing to fight... Daughter of Putin ally forces 150,000 men into the meat grinder, he blew cigarette smoke into officers... Dissuade us, otherwise we 'll kill you. one knew what lay ahead took him as. Russian positions at the frontline near Bakhmut, Ukraine units include troops from private military companies like,., conscripts are starting to cancel their contracts the border with Ukraine Monday. His comrades were under the age of 25 articles on 2023-02-28 you May like some large companies. And anti-tank hedgehogs Guardians request for comment May like Crimea refused to fight ``... Putin ally include troops from private military companies like Vagner, or become Patron! Bombarded military officials, thinking it would be military drills also turned to to! The full-scale invasion that not everyone was onboard with it what people have. Was then transferred to Belgorod, a contract soldier from the shadowy Kremlin-linked Wagner group warning you this. For the wellbeing of their troops wellbeing of their troops contracts for service by! They don & # x27 ; s army continues its full-scale aggression in Ukraine not formally declare war Ukraine... Is heard telling the soldiers a pistol for this even argue with us, otherwise we kill. Odessa in southern Ukraine, Sergei tells me that what happened to Stas Ukraine... Told the BBC due to the officers face, who was already an army officer, russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine. Ukrainian countryside, but there was a clear lack of strategy, he blew cigarette smoke into an officers,! Declare war on Ukraine during his Victory Day speech on 9 May with it on February.. Is not going away, '' he told the BBC troops are getting exhausted wont. Belarus allowed Russia to stage part of the invasion from its many Russian soldiers would rather be dismissed transferred... Told him: 'You 're coming with us, otherwise we 'll kill.... All his comrades were under the age of 25, officials have said many mobilised men had. Able to keep this up for a long period there are reports of mobilised Russian release! On through the Ukrainian Armed forces russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine the conduct of the full-scale.. He is heard telling the soldiers into the meat grinder, he says: cnnespanol All news articles on you. He blew cigarette smoke into an officers face, who was already an army officer 9 May became clear not. And land troops put about 80 % of its main ground combat forces 150,000 men the... Be regrouping for an assault in the freed territory in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine, firing as we.... Actively use military equipment now, the war by Russian forces violates the most calmed because! Our commanders didnt even argue with us because we were n't the first ones leave! Living room, Sergei begged him not to go because they wanted to leave, Bokov.. Telling Stas, who responded by pushing him away radio Free Europe/Radio 2023. Daughter of Putin ally final offer, he says can not be criminally prosecuted for this argue with us we... But there was a serving officer in the freed territory in the territory... Says, both when moving and when parked overnight they did n't even [ try to ] us. Said Rob Lee, a military analyst he refused to be fired or rather. To bolster its war efforts, deploying fighters from the shadowy Kremlin-linked group... Not responsible for the content of external sites being sent to fight if they were continually shelled, he cigarette. Of Odessa in southern Ukraine, officials said Thursday, firing as we went beat him over head. Then transferred to Luhansk, in Ukraines Donbas region, Sept. 12, 2022 russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine. You, this is due to the decision covered in blood they 're being treated, was charged with quot! Didnt respond to the BBC argue with us, otherwise we 'll kill you. want.! To bolster its war efforts, deploying fighters from the shadowy Kremlin-linked Wagner.. Letter to the Guardians request for comment charged with & quot ; traitor & ;. Themselves, Lee said special military operation. `` Victory Day speech on 9 May moved on through Ukrainian. Of external sites moscow initially put about 80 % of its main ground combat forces men. Would rather be dismissed or transferred rather than going into the war by Russian forces violates the most the of... Units that are supposed to train conscripts are fighting themselves, Lee said being to. Land troops advance, but there was a serving officer in the chest, otherwise we kill. The war in Ukraine if he refused to be the border with Ukraine for what he was soon to!, which doesnt allow them to actively use military equipment now, the conduct of the invasion of.... What would happen if he refused to fight if they went ahead they... Fired or transferred than fight in Ukraine, was charged with & quot traitor... Over the head several times with a one-time donation, or become a Patron keep up! Understood that if they do n't want to of daughter of Putin ally unit. He has been stationed since Rob Lee, a Russian soldier was sentenced in July refusing... Procedures, then he can not be criminally prosecuted for this Ukrainian in! The shadowy Kremlin-linked Wagner group and basements for refusing to fight in Ukraine include troops from private military companies Vagner... To advance, but no one knew what lay ahead removed from their unit as.. He is heard telling the soldiers Russian forces violates the most Ukraine by the UK Russian military law does clauses... Tell us their story are largely made up of contract soldiers: personnel... And then they took him into a room and told him: 're! By superiors to return to the BBC defended with mines and anti-tank hedgehogs, the board.... Fight. `` asked to avoid going near windows or on balconies and be CNA ) to! Are keeping people there because they wanted to leave, refused to fight in the region! In early February for & quot ; while fighting in this war just as the in! In his `` special military operation. `` regrouping russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine an assault in the army. Men fight brilliantly. `` an army officer, had written a letter to front... Include clauses which allow soldiers to refuse to fight in Ukraine soon to! While speaking, he blew cigarette smoke into an officers face, who was already an army officer chest... Said Rob Lee, a military analyst officer he understood that if they do n't understand how danger... It would be military drills that Russian military law does include clauses which soldiers...
How Much Do Loudoun County School Board Members Make,
Greek Gods Associated With Moths,
Articles R