Russian Soldiers Describe Executions for Refusing Orders
Russian soldiers have revealed harsh conditions on the Russian front lines in Ukraine, with two men telling the BBC they witnessed commanders executing soldiers who refused orders.
The men, currently in hiding, shared their experiences from an undisclosed location outside Russia in the documentary, "The Zero Line: Inside Russia's War".
Ilya, 35, who previously taught children with special needs before being drafted for the war, recounted seeing four individuals shot at point-blank range by a commander. This act, known as Zeroing in Russian military slang, was carried out because the soldiers had fled the front line and refused to return.
Zeroing is typically used as punishment for disobedience and serves as a deterrent to others considering similar actions, the men explained.
Another witness, Dima, confirmed that commanders killing their own troops was considered "a normal thing."
“I see it - just two metres, three metres. Just murders, just click, clack, bang. It’s not a drama, it’s not a movie, it’s a real life,”
he said.
The Russian government maintains that its armed forces "operate with utmost restraint, as far as possible under the conditions of a high-intensity conflict, treating their personnel with maximum care." It also stated that "Information regarding alleged violations and crimes is duly investigated." However, it added, "We are unable to independently verify the accuracy or authenticity of the information you have provided."
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