Key Facts
• Russian soldiers fear a practice called ‘sacrifice to Baba Yaga,’ referring to Ukrainian drones.
• A video from last winter shows a deserter tied to a tree, exposed to drone attacks.
• Intercepted communications reveal commanders ordering brutal punishments for deserters.
• Social media videos depict severe punishments, including beatings and confinement in tanks.
• A soldier reported his unit reduced from 150 to 32 due to lack of equipment.
• Deserters face up to 15 years in prison, but on-site punishments are common.
• A support group for deserters, ‘Get Lost,’ has aided 1,700 individuals since 2022.
• NATO estimates 1 million Russian casualties since February 2022, with 100,000 deaths in 2023 alone.
• Soldiers express disillusionment, saying, ‘This is not my war.’
• Commanders reportedly value equipment over soldiers’ lives, fostering a culture of nihilism.
Summary
Reports reveal the brutal treatment of deserters within the Russian military, including exposure to drone attacks, physical abuse, and public humiliation. Intercepted communications and social media videos highlight the severity of these punishments, aimed at deterring others from fleeing. Soldiers face dire conditions, including insufficient equipment and ammunition, leading to significant casualties. A support group estimates thousands of deserters, citing disillusionment and a lack of purpose among troops. NATO data underscores the heavy toll on Russian forces, with over 1 million casualties since 2022. The culture of violence and disregard for soldiers’ lives within the Russian military has drawn international attention.
