Summary
Russian soldiers told the BBC that they saw commanders executing fellow soldiers who refused orders in Ukraine. The soldiers described harsh conditions and brutal treatment on the front lines. The Russian government denies these claims, stating their forces act with restraint.
Key Facts
- Four Russian soldiers shared experiences from the Ukraine front lines.
- Two soldiers said they saw commanders execute their own troops.
- The term “zero” is used by Russian military to describe executing fellow soldiers.
- One soldier said he was tortured for refusing to join dangerous assaults.
- They reported brutal conditions and missions described as "suicide missions."
- The soldiers are currently in hiding outside Russia.
- Official Russian casualty figures are not released, but estimates suggest high numbers of killed or injured soldiers.
- The Russian government denies these allegations and states investigations are conducted into violations.
