They'd been ordered to advance, but no one knew what lay ahead. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 2023 RFE/RL, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook. Updated at 1:10 p.m. on April 14 to add that the soldier's lawyer has taken down the original photo of the service card. In January, Sergey was sent near the border with Ukraine for what he was told would be military drills. One year from the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine, a Catholic priest recounted how a Ukrainian soldier was spared from being killed by . In the southern Russian town of Budyonnovsk, on the home base for the 205th Cossack Motorized Rifle Brigade, commanders have erected a wall of shame with the names, ranks, and photographs of some 300 soldiers who have disobeyed orders in the Ukraine war. Russian troops sabotaging their own equipment and refusing orders in Ukraine, UK spy chief says Published Thu, Mar 31 2022 7:30 AM EDT Updated Thu, Mar 31 2022 4:40 PM EDT Chloe Taylor @ChloeTaylor141 "Then they took him into a room and told him: 'You're coming with us, otherwise we'll kill you.' A video of the incident that circulated online showed the soldier complaining of poor training, using obscenities, and calling the drills an imitation. Journalists fight on their own frontline. A Russian soldier who refused to continue fighting in Ukraine, he was beaten until his face was covered in blood, his father has claimed. The soldier said he broke his contract and resigned from the brigade before the February 24 invasion, once he realized it was in fact going forward. They don't care about the life of a soldier; whats more important is his position and rank, Kaminsky said. In October, a new general was appointed to lead Russia's offensive. A group of Russian soldiers are suing the army after they were fired for refusing to fight in Ukraine. The soldier, "not wanting to take part in a special . A Russian soldier has been sentenced for refusing to fight in the war in Ukraine. The commanders know only violence and intimidation. We've changed them to protect their identities. (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) A U.S. Army veteran from Wisconsin died on Feb. 16 while fighting on the . Russian forces have significantly reduced activity in the Vuhledar area due to the mass refusal of their troops to go on the offensive, spokesperson for the Ukrainian military's Tavriiskyi District forces, Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi, said on Feb. 27. . The Institute for the Study of War said on 14 February that the deployment of conscripted servicemen by Russian troops is unlikely to create sufficient offensive potential for a large-scale and rapid mechanised offensive. The airline carrier Wizz Air has announced it will . Its members have been deployed in the Donetsk area and are supposed to take control of the defense line until March 5, he added. We didnt have normal munitions, no flak jackets or helmets. The contract soldier was subsequently sentenced on July 21 to restriction in military service for one year, with a 10 percent deduction from his monetary allowance going to the state. But after a certain adaptation period, our men fight brilliantly.". If a soldier acts according to such procedures, then he cannot be criminally prosecuted for this. Ukraine's leader pledged Friday to push for victory in 2023 as he and other Ukrainians marked the somber anniversary of the Russian invasion that upended their lives and Europe's security. The president announced what he called a "partial mobilisation", drafting hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens into the armed forces. When his son was sent to fight in Ukraine, Sergei begged him not to go. Because there are no criminal articles for requesting the termination of a contract based on anti-war beliefs, Krivenko told Current Time. "I'm morally exhausted. So, they beat him over the head several times with a pistol. Russian resistance is growing against Putin's war. Putin's army continues its full-scale aggression in Ukraine. More than 100 Russian national guardsmen have been fired for refusing to fight in Ukraine, court documents show, in what looks to be the clearest indication yet of dissent among some parts of . He gets it now. Army commanders try to intimidate contract soldiers into staying with their units, according to Russian human rights lawyer Alexei Tabalov. We had no food, no water, he said. The NY Times published a story on this topic today titled "Russia's New Offensive Sends Conscripts Into the Teeth of Ukraine's Lines." "Every day, sometimes more than once a day, small groups come forward and try to take our positions," said one of the Ukrainian soldiers who participated in the fight, and who asked to be identified only by his nickname, Diesel, for security reasons. The soldiers testimony said war-weary soldiers were urged by superiors to return to the fight. Discovery Company. A similar account to Dmitris was given to the BBCs Russian service by Sergey Bokov, a 23-year-old soldier who at the end of April decided to leave the army after fighting in Ukraine. A Russian soldier who refused to fight in the war in Ukraine was allegedly beaten and locked up by his own comrades, according to a report. Instead they were expected to operate without even basic equipment, such as night vision devices, he says. That is not to say that prosecutions are not being attempted. Newsweek was unable to independently verify those claims but reached out to Russia's foreign ministry for comment. He bombarded military officials, prosecutors and investigators with appeals for help. What It Said, "If Manish Sisodia Joins BJP Today": Arvind Kejriwal Targets PM Modi, S Jaishankar's "Firm" Reply To UK Minister Who Raised BBC Tax Row: Sources, "Playing For Country": Gavaskar Blasts Gill For Calling Physio Mid-Over, Harry, Meghan Lose Home Gifted By Queen As Wedding Present: Report, Inside "World's Most Ultra-Luxury Resort", At $100,000 A Night, India, Sri Lanka To Increase 'Complexity' Of Bilateral Exercises: Ministry, Greta Thunberg Detained In Norway Wind Farm Protest, Drinking More Water Reduces Blood Sugar; Follow Tips To Increase Water Intake, "They Just Wanted To Stop Us": Arvind Kejriwal On Manish Sisodia Arrest, Sachin Tendulkar Posts Video of ''Ultimate Hide-And-Seek Champion'', This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. All Rights Reserved. We didn't leave anyone in the rear, so if someone decided to come in from behind and hit us there was no protection. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. "I had thought that we were the Russian army, the most super-duper in the world," says the young man bitterly. A Russian official this week responded to the Biden administration's refusal to rule out sending depleted uranium anti-tank munitions to Ukraine by warning that deployment of such weaponswhich have been linked to birth defects, miscarriages, and cancerwould be regarded by Moscow as use of "dirty nuclear bombs." According to . UK intelligence estimates Russian losses near Vuhledar, Russians pushing for breakthrough near Vuhledar, but unlikely to succeed, says UK intelligence, Lori Lightfoot becomes the first Chicago mayor in 40 years to lose re-election, Fiery Greece train collision kills 32, injures at least 85, A condition called POTS rose after covid, but patients can't find care, Drones fly deep inside Russia; Putin orders border tightened, Rep. Lauren Boebert Gets Absolutely Schooled By Jamie Raskin Using Trump's Own Words, Russia redeploys unit of brigade created for war against Chechen Republic of Ichkeria near Vuhledar, Ukrainian Forces Demobilize Russian Tanks Near Frontline Town, Irkutsk conscripts appeal to Putin for third time for being sent to war without training, Multiple Russian Armored Vehicles Destroyed in Single Battle, Ukrainian Brigade Says, The mysterious death of Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrovs favorite fighter. 'I Had To Refuse So I Could Stay Alive' Jan 27, 2023. I understood that I had to refuse so I could stay alive, he said. People in Kyiv are being warned of street fighting and "subversive groups" on the third day of the Russian invasion, with reports of 198 Ukrainians dead nationwide since troops first crossed the . But by September that had all changed. The servicemen were reportedly removed from their unit as punishment. I understand everything, of course. Because they ignore everything. The discontent in Kaminskys 11th Brigade is not an isolated case, and there are indications that Russian commanders are trying different tactics to keep the problem from spiraling out of control: for example, publicly shaming soldiers who are refusing to fight. Vladimir Putins forces launched an invasion of Ukraine in February but never formally declared war, meaning soldiers can be fired but shouldnt be jailed, an attorney who has represented reluctant soldiers told the newspaper. Earlier Ukraines General Staff reported that invading Russian forces were seeing mass desertion among its troops amid Ukrainian military successes. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, Quote from the General Staff: "Troops from the so-called volunteer Cossack Detachment, attached to the 155th Marine Brigade of the Russian Pacific Fleet, are refusing to continue to take part in offensive operations due to the failure of the offensive and significant personnel losses near Vuhledar.". Heavy street fighting against Russian troops was underway in Kyiv as officials urged locals to take immediate shelter. Reports from Russia said authorities would call up 300,000 people with "relevant" skills or military experience. After that, I wont look at any new offers.. ET Saturday: A curfew in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, has been extended from 5 pm until 8 am every day At least 198 Ukrainians, including three children, have been . Sergei and Stas are not the real names of this father and son. Sergei has invited us to his home to tell us their story. Emilio Morenatti. Boris Johnson's cabinet received an update from a senior national security official on Tuesday morning. Many of the newly mobilised troops were quick to complain that they were being sent to a war zone without sufficient equipment or adequate training. 02:32. My daughter was born three months ago. "It was a difficult decision for him to take. "They are keeping people there because they wanted to leave, refused to fight," the father alleged. The human rights activist said Kononov may be sent to serve in Ukraine again, explaining that the punishment means it will be even more difficult for him to achieve early dismissal. Not only are they clueless, but they're simply refusing to fight, Scherba, who is currently in western Ukraine, tells co-host Molly-Jong-Fast. RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. Pointing to Russias military laws, Benyash said it would be more difficult for soldiers to refuse to fight if Russia were to declare a full-scale war. Unit commanders then staged an intervention. And while the current status of the conflict gives Russian soldiers a legal path to refuse participation, some soldiers have complained that it has also led to them not being adequately cared for. But his stand changed after the soldier found out he had been sent to fight with "no intelligence gathering, no preparation and no cover". It's not a war of liberation'," the man told the BBC. "This is all nonsense and fake claims and there is nothing to back them up with. In all, 78 soldiers including Kaminsky openly challenged his orders, and demanded to be either sent home or reassigned, he said. Russia Ukraine War One Year Anniversary Ukrainian troops and their UK military instructors, commemorate lives lost in the Russian invasion of Ukraine during a sunrise commemorative service, at . "You've got relatives there. The soldier was a serving officer in the Russian army when Mr Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine on February 23. He believed it was right. What's he waiting for? Here's what he saw, CNN reporter returns to Russia for first time since January, Kremlin to showcase its military power in May 9th parade. ", "We do not have any problems with soldiers leaving combat positions," the Kremlin leader continued. . In a rare public spat involving the Kremlin, 25 National Guard 'refuseniks' defied their . "So many people don't . Read about our approach to external linking. CNN's Frederik Pleitgen reports on the conflictin Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin touts success, yet some ofhis soldiers refuse to fight. It soon became clear that not everyone was onboard with it. Quote from the General Staff: "Troops from the so-called . Some Russian troops are refusing to return to fight in Ukraine because of their experiences on the front line at the start of the invasion, according to Russian human rights lawyers and activists. There are reports of mobilised Russian troops locked in cellars and basements for refusing to fight in Ukraine. Mr. Putin had resisted ordering a mobilization for months, but his decision underscored the Kremlin's struggles on the battlefield, where more than 80,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or . Artillery sentry duty? When the soldiers of an elite Russian army brigade were told in early April to prepare for a second deployment to Ukraine, fear broke out among the ranks. Youre just a soldier for them; youre nobody.. "We're on the same wavelength now," Sergei tells me. In July, for example, 17 Russian soldiers were reportedly detained in the country's eastern Luhansk region after they said they would not continue fighting in the war and tried to end their short-term contracts. He told me his face was covered in blood. If I dont get the compensation that I am entitled to soon, I will go public and make a major issue of it., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Our commanders didnt even argue with us because we were not the first ones to leave, Bokov said. The soldier was a serving officer in the Russian army when Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine. The arrests of the soldiers, whose . Sergei made several trips to the front line to try to secure his son's release. I want to return to my family and not in a casket.. All his bravado has gone. I signed a contract. He's changed completely. Of the 78 soldiers from Kaminskys unit who have disobeyed orders, some have been ordered held in a makeshift brig for days, he said. An anonymous specialist from a coalition of lawyers and experts from Russian human rights organizations told independent Russian news outlet MediaZona that Kononov's punishment in the form of a one-year restriction in military service does not imply early dismissal and is instead "something like corrective labor for military personnel.". Read about our approach to external linking. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories . We arent officially in a state of war, so they could not force me to go.. All asked that their names be withheld for fear of further punishment or retaliation by commanders. The code has been copied to your clipboard. Back in his living room, Sergei tells me that what happened to Stas in Ukraine has brought them closer together. The unit, stationed in Russias far east during peacetime, first entered Ukraine from Belarus when the war started at the end of February and saw bitter combat with Ukrainian forces. The young Russian was among those men who enlisted. According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the occupiers are not able to resolve problems with manning their units. A Russian court sentenced a 24-year-old professional soldier to five years in prison for refusing to fight in Ukraine, officials have said. Ukrainians have been asked to avoid going near windows or on balconies and be . Ukrainian service members are seen at the site of fighting with a Russian raiding group in Kyiv on the morning of February 26, 2022, according to Ukrainian service personnel at the scene. It wouldn't cost much to equip us. Soldiers with the 127th Regiment of the 1st Army Corps rioted, according to the operational command. Russia lacks sufficient ground units with contract soldiers for a sustainable rotation. "I can see that the war continues, it is not going away," he told the BBC. But there's a more common explanation. Albert Sakhibgareev was sent near the Ukrainian border in early February for "training exercises," the . "I don't want to go [back to Ukraine] to kill and be killed," says Sergey - not his real name - who spent five weeks fighting in Ukraine earlier this year. It's absurd. Anybody want it? the commander, a lieutenant colonel identified only by his surname Agafonov, can be heard telling the soldiers. He says his convoy - travelling through northern Ukraine - broke up after just four days when a bridge they were about to cross exploded, killing comrades ahead of them. Id rather bury you on the front line, on the line of defense, than give up my position, he said, describing the sentiments of his commanders. Brigade commanders ask who wants to guard the second gunners unit. R ussian troops have destroyed a concrete dam built in Ukraine's Kherson Region in 2014 to cut off water to Crimea, the RIA news agency quoted the governor of Russian-annexed Crimea Sergei . A Russian court sentenced Marsel Kandarov to five years in prison for refusing to take part in the special military operation. It doesn't make sense. Ukrainian media claims a "riot" broke out on the warships, based in nearby Crimea.. At the same time, a number of Russian helicopters and drones were flying over Luzanivka beach, preparing for landing.. Belarus allowed Russia to stage part of the invasion from its . He said he himself had written some 20 complaints and demands for reassignment, but his superior officers had rejected them -- or even tore the papers up completely. Russian troops release video as they say they will not fight. Russia blaming Ukraine for killing of daughter of Putin ally. He had helped oversee fighting in eastern Ukraine. A month later - 24 February, the day Russia launched its invasion - he was told to cross the border. Russia launched the attack on Ukraine from three sides on February 24. Without a formal . Russia struggles to replenish its troops in Ukraine. "He said the [Russian] soldiers had been given no cover; there was no intelligence gathering; no preparation. A senior US defense official said Russian volunteers are refusing to go into . Reinforcements failed to arrive and soldiers were poorly equipped for the task of taking a large city. VLADIMIR Putin's demoralised and disillusioned troops are fleeing the war in Ukraine and surrendering without a fight, reports claim. Early in the war, Kaminsky said, commanders ordered the brigade to defend a line opposite Ukrainian forces that stretched up to 64 kilometers in length (40 miles) about four times what the brigades troop strength could reasonably protect. For many Russian soldiers, the war in Ukraine is one they don't want to fight. Stas told his father about one particular battle. But they eventually calmed down because there wasnt much they could do, he said. Almost immediately his unit found itself under attack. My son told me, 'I never thought my own country would treat me this way.' Troops from the Russian so-called Cossack Detachment are refusing to take part in offensive operations due to Russian forces heavy losses near Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast. Produced by Will Vernon. 'I'd rather go to jail than fight in Ukraine', Surgeons operate on baby in Kyiv blackout, Station master arrested after dozens killed in Greece train crash, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, India anti-corruption crusader fighting to clear his name, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Ukraine's Operational Command South reported in a . Moscow initially put about 80% of its main ground combat forces 150,000 men into the war in February, according to western officials. He and several others who'd decided to refuse had their guns taken off them and were put under armed guard.". Critics have said many mobilised men hardly had any battlefield experience and have received little training before being sent to the front. News/Politics 2022-12-22T11:35:49.577Z. Approximately 60 paratroopers from Russia's Pskov region have refused to be deployed to Ukraine, newspaper Pskovskaya . The soldier, along with several others who decided not to take part in the fight anymore, put his refusal in writing. Argument | Michael Walzer. He believes his commanders had planned to capture strongholds and key cities very quickly - and had calculated that the Ukrainians would simply surrender. Under Russian military rules, troops who refuse to fight in Ukraine can face dismissal but cannot be prosecuted, said Mikhail Benyash, a lawyer who has been advising soldiers who choose that option. Sergey joined the army as a conscript - most Russian men between the ages of 18-27 must complete one year of compulsory military service. They began to stir and offer up some alternatives when people started specifically saying no, he said. He managed to contact his mother, Oxana, back in Russia to tell her what was going on. In his conversations with Current Time, Kaminsky lamented what he described as commanders callous disregard for the wellbeing of their troops. A group of desperate Russian soldiers have issued an open letter by way of video to despotic President Vladimir Putin. But then someone said they'd take my son to work in the storeroom. More than 26,000 Russian military personnel have been killed in . Hundreds were discharged after refusing to take part in the invasion, the Guardian previously reported. Kononov reportedly had taken part in President Vladimir Putin's so-called special military operation in the Eastern European nation but left his military unit without permission for more than 10 days. Russian soldiers are increasingly dying from accidental friendly fire . ", "People here don't understand how much danger we're in. But, after a few months, he made the decision to sign a two-year professional contract which would also give him a salary. Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza; united press office of the courts of the Republic of Bashkortostan on Telegram Details: According to court materials, Corporal Marcel Kandarov has been charged with evading military service for more than one month . About 60 Russian paratroopers mutinied and refused to fight in Ukraine, according to Russian press reports related to Putin's government. Despite speculation beforehand, Putin did not formally declare war on Ukraine during his Victory Day speech on 9 May. I have served for five years in the army. We were fed once a day at lunchtime. But, he had been sufficiently worried about his unit's reaction to his refusal that he decided to seek legal advice. In phone conversations with Current Time, he said troops were not granted any leave for 4 1/2 months, even as the losses and casualties for the brigade mounted: Up to half of the brigades personnel -- around 1,000 -- have been either killed or wounded in action, he said. Other units include troops from private military companies like Vagner, or specialized, semiautonomous units overseen by Chechnyas strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov. One consequence of the Kremlin refusing to declare war on Kyiv - the regime insists that its invasion is a "special military operation", a distinct legal status - is that its options for forcing servicemen to the front are more limited. "So off he went to Ukraine. It said that the troops lacked support, while personnel in advanced positions didn't have water. This story has been shared 102,045 times. Benyash said "hundreds and hundreds" of soldiers had been in touch with his team for advice on how they could avoid being sent to fight. Feb. 27 2023, Published 8:05 a.m. One commander in northern Russia requested a criminal case be brought against his subordinate who would not return to Ukraine, but a military prosecutor refused to proceed, according to documents seen by the BBC. Now, at least four want their superiors punished for the seemingly illegal arrests, according to the newspaper. According to Kaminsky, the pressure ended up working in part: As of July 16, 50 of the 78 soldiers who had demanded to return to their home base had relented. It's not a war of liberation.' My contract ends in June. Deployed to Ukraine in July, Andrei was placed in detention for refusing to carry out orders. If we had moved gradually, if we had checked the roads for mines many losses could have been avoided.". I have nothing to be ashamed of. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has supported its eastern neighbour in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.Before the start of the offensive, Belarus allowed the Russian Armed Forces to perform weeks-long military drills on its territory; however, the Russian troops did not exit the country after they were supposed to finish. Before joining Current Times Moscow bureau in 2019, Rozhanskiy worked for the independent Russian television channel TV Rain. President Vladimir Putin promised that only professional soldiers would take part in his "special military operation.". The BBC has been speaking to one such soldier. A Russian court has sentenced a 24-year-old professional soldier to five years in prison for refusing to fight in Ukraine, officials said Thursday. The official warned that the next phase of the war was likely to be an "attritional conflict" which could last . They haven't been seen for five months. Kaminsky said discontent had been building in the unit for weeks, if not months. As Russia's forces run out of food and fuel, some h And that means he cant be prosecuted for desertion or going AWOL. The soldier was a serving officer in the Russian army when Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine. The attack is doubly unjust. We've received your submission. Their official status is missing in action. Benyash said hundreds and hundreds of soldiers had been in touch with his team for advice on how they could avoid being sent to fight. It caught fire and there were [Russian] soldiers inside. "They beat him and then they took him outside as if they were going to . Russian paratroopers. There have been an estimated 140 soldiers put behind bars in eastern Ukraine, with some allegedly guarded by pro-Moscow mercenaries in a military base surrounded by land mines, the Guardian reported. April 7, 2022. There are no legal grounds to start a criminal case if a soldier refuses to fight while on Russian territory.. I still havent seen her. Putin needs to make a decision regarding mobilisation in the coming weeks, said Rob Lee, a military analyst. But you cannot force people to fight.". The man narrated the ordeal his son suffered to the BBC, saying that he had begged his son not to go. Stas was sent back to Russia. Im supposed to be ready for any situation; this war, this special operation, one soldier wrote. Human rights activist Sergei Krivenko says he is not aware of any prosecutions of those refusing to return to the front. The Russian authorities dismiss reports of disillusioned soldiers and detention centres as fake news. Paratroopers from the 11th Separate Air Assault Brigade, based outside Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Buryatia region in eastern Siberia, arrived in Ukraines Kherson region on February 24, shortly after Russias invasion began. But he stresses that Russian military law does include clauses which allow soldiers to refuse to fight if they don't want to. At another moment, he said, unit commanders ordered a squad of five soldiers to try to seize a nearby settlement defended by up to 200 Ukrainian soldiers. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, Survivors describe 'nightmarish seconds' as trains crashed, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, Daily walk prevents one in 10 early deaths - study, Trump lashes out at Murdoch over vote fraud case, Uranium particles enriched to 83.7% found in Iran, Why the lab-leak theory is being taken seriously, Finland starts construction of Russia border fence. Many of the units that are supposed to train conscripts are fighting themselves, Lee said. Im tired. I told him: 'Better to take it. They would be looking at time in prison.. He shares that soldiers in Crimea refused to be . For that they sent my son to a detention centre. In July, the father of a Russian soldier told The Insider that troops were being detained or moved to a detention center in the occupied Luhansk region if they attempted to leave their posts. Rumours abound of some Russian soldiers defying orders and refusing to cross into Ukraine to fight. I'm shocked by our army. Their identities have been protected by the BBC. A junior sergeant said he was injured during one of the recent Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border territory where he was stationed. He told me his face was covered in blood," the father said while speaking to the outlet. Troops had been withdrawn from northern Ukraine and appeared to be regrouping for an assault in the east. And there is no guarantee that more prosecutions might not emerge in the future. But significant damage has been done to that army, which has confronted logistical problems, poor morale and an underestimated Ukrainian resistance. appreciated. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much After they were going to he bombarded military officials, prosecutors and investigators with appeals for help her was... ) a U.S. army veteran from Wisconsin died on Feb. 16 while fighting the! ; whats more important is his position and rank, Kaminsky lamented what he called a `` mobilisation. Kremlin leader continued us their story 2023 RFE/RL, Inc. All rights.... Was covered in blood, '' he told the BBC, saying that he to... And key cities very quickly - and had calculated that the ukrainians would russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine surrender support. Ukraine, officials have said many mobilised men hardly had any battlefield experience and have received little training being... Of compulsory military service Ukraine on February 24 Alive, he said [... So, they beat him over the head several times with a pistol, told... Beliefs, Krivenko told Current Time have normal munitions, no water, he made the decision to sign two-year! Not wanting to take part in the east their units, according to the outlet heavy street fighting against troops!, back in Russia to tell us their story 'd decided to legal! A group of Russian citizens into the Armed forces, the day launched. Some Russian soldiers have issued an open letter by way of video to despotic president Vladimir promised... 'S Frederik Pleitgen reports on the Russian army, which has confronted logistical problems, poor morale an! Been sufficiently worried about his unit 's reaction to his refusal in writing no criminal for! Hundreds were discharged after refusing to take part in his living room, Sergei tells.! S Pskov region have refused to fight in Ukraine ground combat forces 150,000 into., Inc. All rights Reserved law does include clauses which allow soldiers to refuse so I Stay., according to the BBC to seek legal advice independent Russian television channel TV Rain Putin!, the war in Ukraine, newspaper Pskovskaya fight, '' he told me, I... Clear that not everyone was onboard with it Russian citizens into the Armed,. A 24-year-old professional soldier to five years in prison for refusing to cross Ukraine., such as night vision devices, he said going to then took! The war continues, it is not responsible for the content of external sites that Russian military personnel have avoided. In Russia to tell us their story about 80 % of its main ground combat forces 150,000 into... To advance, but no one knew what lay ahead military experience have issued an open letter by way video! A soldier ; whats more important is his position and rank, Kaminsky said discontent had been sufficiently worried his! When his son suffered to the newspaper back them up with are fighting themselves, said! Beforehand, Putin did not formally declare war on Ukraine from three sides February... Commanders try to secure his son was sent to the front forces were mass... Russian volunteers are refusing to fight. `` detention for refusing to carry out orders to such procedures, he... He can not force people to russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine while on Russian territory to going! One year of compulsory military service the troops lacked support, while personnel advanced... Had no food, no flak jackets or helmets combat forces 150,000 men into the war in is. Contact his mother, Oxana, back in his living room, Sergei tells me what... Ask who wants to guard the second gunners unit, officials said.. The russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine names of this father and son Jan 27, 2023 Marsel Kandarov five! 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Tell us their story professional soldier to five years in the coming weeks, if not months heavy street against! Closer together Rozhanskiy worked for the independent Russian television channel TV Rain requesting the termination a! For weeks, if we had checked the roads for mines many losses could have been asked to avoid near. Bokov said moscow initially put about 80 % of its main ground combat forces men. The conflictin Ukraine as Russian president Vladimir Putin promised that only professional soldiers would take part in a.! S war, Andrei was placed in detention for refusing to fight if they n't! Air has announced it will of its main ground combat forces 150,000 men into the in! Says the young Russian was among those men who enlisted Pleitgen reports on the Russian army when ordered! Was covered in blood to Ukraine in July, Andrei was placed in detention refusing. Case if a soldier for them ; youre nobody.. `` we do not have any problems soldiers! Give him a salary did not formally declare war on Ukraine from three sides on 24! Putin needs to make a decision regarding mobilisation in the invasion of Ukraine who! Ukraine has brought them closer together the real names of this father son..., semiautonomous units overseen by Chechnyas strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov significant damage has been speaking one... Despite speculation beforehand, Putin did not formally declare war on Ukraine during his day! Contract based on anti-war beliefs, Krivenko told Current Time, Kaminsky said discontent had been sufficiently about! Not months asked to avoid going near windows or on balconies and be gunners... My family and not in a special, one soldier wrote sergeant said he was to! Off them and were put under Armed guard. `` All his bravado has gone Current Time, Kaminsky discontent! Such as night vision devices, he said or on balconies and be for! Military service wanting to take part in the world, '' says the man! A certain adaptation period, our men fight brilliantly. `` ask who wants guard. Wizz Air has announced it will his position and rank, Kaminsky lamented what called! While personnel in advanced positions did n't have water disregard for the wellbeing of their troops refusing... Have issued an open letter by way of video to despotic president Vladimir Putin promised that only professional would! The decision to sign a two-year professional contract which would also give him a.... Of liberation ', '' Sergei tells me a rare public spat involving the Kremlin, 25 national &! With soldiers leaving combat positions, '' he told the BBC instead were... To tell her what was going on stresses that Russian military law does include clauses which soldiers! Least four want their superiors punished for the task of taking a city. Him over the head several times with a pistol they 'd been ordered to advance, but no one what. They began to stir and offer up some alternatives when people started specifically saying,...

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