**Russian Soldier Caught on Video Firing Grenade Launcher at Residential Building**
In a disturbing video published by the independent Russian news outlet Astra, a Russian soldier was seen firing a grenade launcher at a residential building in Sudzha, a border town in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The footage shows the soldier loading the grenade launcher while shouting “Akhmat! Chechnya!” – a reference to Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov’s forces.
The video is particularly alarming as it appears to show the soldier firing directly at a residential area, with the Orthodox Holy Trinity Church standing just behind the impact site. The exact date when the video was filmed is unclear, but Russian authorities later confirmed that the man in the video was a junior sergeant from the 158th military commandant’s office.
**Consequences and Confusion**
In response to the video, Kursk Oblast Governor Alexander Khinshtein wrote on Telegram that the shot narrowly missed the church and struck a residential building. He also revealed that the soldier died in a traffic accident while fleeing from law enforcement in early June. The governor’s statement suggests that the soldier will face consequences for his actions, but it remains to be seen whether any further action will be taken.
The incident has sparked concerns about the treatment of Russian soldiers who engage in violent behavior towards civilians. With Russia’s military still reeling from their losses in Ukraine, it’s clear that discipline and accountability within the ranks are crucial.
**Background: A Retaken Border Town**
Sudzha is a small town located just 10 kilometers (around 6 miles) from Ukraine’s northeastern border, with a pre-war population of around 6,000. The town was retaken by Russian forces in March, months after Ukrainian forces captured it during the August 2024 cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
The incursion led to a months-long Russian counteroffensive, backed by North Korean forces, which forced Ukrainian troops to withdraw from much of the previously seized territory. The video of the Russian soldier firing at a residential building is a sobering reminder of the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on civilians in the region.
**Independent Journalism Matters**
The publication of this disturbing footage highlights the importance of independent journalism in providing accurate information about sensitive topics like war and violence. As a trusted source of news, we rely on the support of our community to continue sharing the truth with the world.
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