**Russian Soldiers Surrender to Ukrainians, Citing Abuse by Commanders**
A group of Russian soldiers fighting in the Kursk direction have surrendered to Ukrainian paratroopers, citing “abuse in units is worse than captivity” as their reason for giving up. According to a video posted on social media by Ukraine’s Airborne Assault Forces, the Russian soldiers were subjected to inhumane treatment, psychological pressure, and threats by their own commanders.
This is not an isolated incident. Russia’s abuse of its own soldiers has been well-documented throughout the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last July, an investigation by Insider revealed that Russia uses a systematic program of “gulag-style” abuse directed at its soldiers in Ukraine to maintain order and punish perceived offenders. The patterns of abuse borrow heavily from Soviet labor camp traditions.
The use of “punishment squads” by Russian units has been reported, where soldiers who are abusing alcohol, refuse orders, or are simply disliked are subjected to a variety of abuse, including beatings and confinement pits. A report in Foreign Policy in 2023 detailed a decades-long system of sadistic hazing in the Russian army that included one soldier who had to have his legs and genitals amputated after being forced to squat in the snow for several hours.
The video released by Ukraine’s Airborne Assault Forces shows at least eight Russian soldiers interviewed at an undisclosed location. One describes being sent to the front less than a month ago and being “blown up immediately,” leaving just two men alive in his unit. Another said his unit was left to dig trenches and fend for themselves when they were spotted by a Ukrainian drone and “after that everything fell apart.”
Intercepted calls released by Ukraine’s military intelligence suggest numerous abuses by Russian commanders against their own troops, including one incident where a commander ordered his soldiers to shoot at their own comrades in a neighbouring unit.
**Commentary**
The surrender of these Russian soldiers is a stark reminder of the abuse and mistreatment that many Russian soldiers have faced during the invasion of Ukraine. It’s clear that the Russian military has failed to provide adequate support and care for its troops, leading to widespread discontent and even desertion.
This also highlights the importance of protecting human rights and dignity, not just for civilians but also for soldiers. The use of torture, abuse, and hazing by commanders is a serious breach of international law and human decency.
**Deeper Analysis**
The use of gulag-style abuse by Russian units suggests a deep-seated culture of brutality and oppression within the military. This is a worrying trend that has been repeated throughout history, where soldiers are treated as mere tools for war rather than as human beings with dignity and rights.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, it’s essential to shine a light on these abuses and hold those responsible accountable. The international community must also take note of these human rights violations and demand that Russia takes steps to address this systemic problem within its military.
**Sources**
* Insider: “Russia Systematically Abuses Its Soldiers in Ukraine to Maintain Order”
* Foreign Policy: “The Decades-Long Tradition of Sadistic Hazing in the Russian Army”
