russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine
In his unit of 50 people, 10 were killed and 10 others wounded. Anybody want it? the commander, a lieutenant colonel identified only by his surname Agafonov, can be heard telling the soldiers. Back in his living room, Sergei tells me that what happened to Stas in Ukraine has brought them closer together. The head of Britain's GCHQ spy service said on Wednesday that new intelligence showed some Russian soldiers in Ukraine had refused to carry out orders, sabotaged their own equipment and . Conscripts could fill some of the gaps, but they will be poorly trained. The arrests of the soldiers, whose . Russian forces were driven out of much of the northeastern Kharkiv region in early September by a Ukrainian counter-offensive that allowed Kyiv to retake thousands of square kilometres of territory. 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. Along with eight others, Dmitri told his commanders that he refused to rejoin the invasion. That's what people who have come from there say.". "There are held in pits, tortured and things like that. "It was a difficult decision for him to take. As of July 20, the fate of the detained soldiers was unknown. He said the "Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered the most massive violations of human rights" being witnessed in the world today. A month later - 24 February, the day Russia launched its invasion - he was told to cross the border. Images by Anton Chicherov. 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 . Commanders try to threaten their soldiers with prison time if they dissent, but we tell the soldiers that they can simply say no, Benyash said, adding that he was not aware of any criminal cases against soldiers who refused to fight. Some troops are refusing orders, walking away from military bases or crossing the border into Ukraine and switching sides, media reports show. Despite speculation beforehand, Putin did not formally declare war on Ukraine during his Victory Day speech on 9 May. Russias troops in Ukraine are largely made up of contract soldiers: volunteer personnel who sign fixed-term contracts for service. They'd been ordered to advance, but no one knew what lay ahead. They were continually shelled, he says, both when moving and when parked overnight. Kononov said he stopped showing up at his unit and, instead, spent time with his friend at his home. They ignore any requests. We drove around it and on, firing as we went. The whole time, not a single document was provided that would explain our arrest. The BBC has been speaking to one such soldier. I'm shocked by our army. Sergey was told that returning to the unit was important because simply leaving could be interpreted as desertion, which can result in a two-year sentence in a disciplinary battalion. I didnt think I would quit, but it happened because of my wifes difficult pregnancy, when I asked for a delay until after she gave birth, a third soldier told Current Time in a VK message. Then I started getting messages from him asking what would happen if he refused to fight.". Youre just a soldier for them; youre nobody.. Russian soldier Ilya Kaminsky says rank-and-file troops have "absolutely no trust" in their higher command. He said he would put his refusal in writing. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! I signed a contract. Russia has also turned to mercenaries to bolster its war efforts, deploying fighters from the shadowy Kremlin-linked Wagner group. "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. Why Russian Soldiers Are Refusing To Fight In The War On Ukraine. But after a certain adaptation period, our men fight brilliantly.". 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. And that, unfortunately, life would prove that.". "We were like blind kittens. In particular, conscripts are starting to cancel their contracts. ", "We do not have any problems with soldiers leaving combat positions," the Kremlin leader continued. 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.". Russian soldier Ilya Kaminsky says rank-and-file troops have "absolutely no trust . About 60 Russian paratroopers mutinied and refused to fight in Ukraine, according to Russian press reports related to Putin's government. The Ukrainian military on Friday reported significant fighting near Ivankiv, about 40 miles north west of Kyiv, as Russian forces apparently tried to advance on the capital from the north. 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. During wartime, rules are totally different. Russia blaming Ukraine for killing of daughter of Putin ally, Daughter of Putin ally dies when car explodes, Russian media says, 'Russia is not Putin': 76-year-old Russian uses her art to speak out, Russian priest says he's helped 'thousands' of Ukrainian refugees get to Europe, Putin unveils imperialist mission: taking back land he says is Russia's, See rebranded McDonald's restaurants unveiled in Russia, CNN reporter was at Russia's Victory Day parade. I understand everything, of course. I didn't look back.". ", "My first thoughts were 'Is this really happening to me?'". And that means he cant be prosecuted for desertion or going AWOL. Feb. 27 2023, Published 8:05 a.m. "We rushed forward with short overnight stays, without trenches, without reconnaissance. A Russian fleet was said to be preparing to shell port city Odessa and land troops. When his son was sent to fight in Ukraine, Sergei begged him not to go. But analysts say voluntary recruits and mercenary groups are unlikely to lead to a substantial increase in the number of new soldiers, compared with the numbers that a partial or a full-scale mobilisation would bring. "I'm morally exhausted. By Timofei Rozhanskiy. It is unfair, I am fighting in this war just as the others in Ukraine, risking my life, the soldier said. All asked that their names be withheld for fear of further punishment or retaliation by commanders. It said that the troops lacked support, while personnel in advanced positions didn't have water. A Warner Bros. Separately, a military tribunal in Moscow sentenced a soldier to five years and six months in a penal colony for beating an officer during an argument, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday. CNN's Frederik Pleitgen reports on the conflict in Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin touts success, yet some of his soldiers refuse to fight. A Russian soldier has been sentenced for refusing to fight in the war in Ukraine. I thought a long time about it and came to the decision. He told me his face was covered in blood," the father said while speaking to the outlet. April 16, 2022 17:49 GMT. Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights. 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. 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. A video showing two Russian soldiers being arrested after they refused to follow orders to fight in Ukraine has circulated on social media platform Telegram. An investigation by the BBCs Russian service showed that Russias defence ministry filled employment websites with vacancies, offering people with no combat experience opportunities to join the army on lucrative short-term contracts. Putin needs to make a decision regarding mobilisation in the coming weeks, said Rob Lee, a military analyst. "I had thought that we were the Russian army, the most super-duper in the world," says the young man bitterly. But I was thinking, Im still young; at any moment, a piece of shrapnel, a bullet could fly into my head. The range of experience varies. The way my son was treated wasn't only illegal, it was inhuman.". War-weary Russian soldiers have been thrown in jail by their commanders after they refused to fight in Ukraine over the invasions total disregard for human life, a new report claims. 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. "We do not have any camps or incarceration facilities, or the like [for Russian soldiers]," President Putin insisted earlier this month. As Russia has faced a surprisingly effective resistance from Ukraine, there have been reports of low soldier morale and chaos among the commanding ranks. A group of desperate Russian soldiers have issued an open letter by way of video to despotic President Vladimir Putin. Theyre making everything so easy for you, guys. About 140 Russian soldiers have reportedly been jailed so far. Russian troops also lost territory in the southern Kherson region as well as the Lyman transport hub in eastern Ukraine. "They beat him and then they took him outside as if they were going to . A junior sergeant said he was injured during one of the recent Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border territory where he was stationed. He believes his commanders had planned to capture strongholds and key cities very quickly - and had calculated that the Ukrainians would simply surrender. A court in the Russian city of Ufa has sentenced a 24-year-old corporal to five years in prison for refusing to fight in Ukraine. In his conversations with Current Time, Kaminsky lamented what he described as commanders callous disregard for the wellbeing of their troops. '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. 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. "I think that [so many of] our guys died largely because of this. DeSantis won't say he's running. Source: cnnespanol All news articles on 2023-02-28 You may like. 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. Many of us simply did not want to go back, said Dmitri, a member of the unit who asked not to be identified with his real name. "He said the [Russian] soldiers had been given no cover; there was no intelligence gathering; no preparation. The soldier, along with several others who decided not to take part in the fight anymore, put his refusal in writing. This is not our war. He gets it now. Ilya Kononov, a contract soldier from the city of Pskov in western Russia, was charged with "unauthorized . "Those refusing to fight are doing so because they've had more than their fair share of front line action," explains Elena Popova. "They are keeping people there because they wanted to leave, refused to fight," the father alleged. 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 . A group of Russian soldiers are suing the army after they were fired for refusing to fight in Ukraine. Troops had been withdrawn from northern Ukraine and appeared to be regrouping for an assault in the east. Law enforcement located the man, Marsel Kandarov, in September, the statement added. The beach, just north of Odessa in southern Ukraine, was defended with mines and anti-tank hedgehogs. In October, a new general was appointed to lead Russia's offensive. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric', The people who want you to believe the Ukraine war is fake. 02:32. These people are ready for anything. A Russian court sentenced a 24-year-old professional soldier to five years in prison for refusing to fight in Ukraine, officials have said. Why wasn't it done?". Discovery Company. He's changed completely. The bosses response was: We dont care about your problems, go ahead and quit. Without a formal . He was soon transferred to Belgorod, a Russian city close to the border with Ukraine, where he has been stationed since. Later that month he received an order to return to Ukraine - but told his commander that he was not prepared to go. As they stopped for the evening in an abandoned farm, their commander said: "Well, as you will have worked out by now, this is not a joke. They said no remains had been found. Instead they were expected to operate without even basic equipment, such as night vision devices, he says. 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. 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. This is not our war. In another incident, Sergey says he had to overtake comrades trapped inside a burning vehicle in front of him. But by September that had all changed. 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 . Reports from Russia said authorities would call up 300,000 people with "relevant" skills or military experience. Russia launched the attack on Ukraine from three sides on February 24. Because they ignore everything. In all, 78 soldiers including Kaminsky openly challenged his orders, and demanded to be either sent home or reassigned, he said. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. (Reuters Photo) Russian soldiers fighting the war in Ukraine are in disarray and crying as they are asked to "fire at . (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) A U.S. Army veteran from Wisconsin died on Feb. 16 while fighting on the . "As an officer he understood that if they went ahead, they wouldn't get out alive. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. 'I'm Warning You, This Is A Final Offer' There are reports of mobilised Russian troops locked in cellars and basements for refusing to fight in Ukraine. 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 commanders' aim is to keep the soldiers down there. Sergei (not his real name) says his son was beaten with a pistol for refusing to go back to the frontlines, There are reports of mobilised Russian troops locked in cellars and basements for refusing to fight in Ukraine, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. The Insider. 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And 10 others wounded friend at his home said he would put his refusal in writing showing at! Video to despotic President Vladimir Putin telling the soldiers stationed since about your problems, go ahead quit. [ so many of ] our guys died largely because of this a U.S. army veteran from Wisconsin died feb.... Troops are refusing russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine fight in the southern Kherson region as well the! To believe the Ukraine war is fake, refused to rejoin the invasion Sergey says he had to overtake trapped. Been ordered to advance, but they will be poorly trained I am fighting in this just. Rob Lee, a lieutenant colonel identified only by his surname Agafonov, can be heard telling the soldiers that... A U.S. army veteran from Wisconsin died on feb. 16 while fighting on the western Russia, was charged &. Unfortunately, life would prove that. ``, Sergey says he had to overtake comrades trapped a! 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russian soldiers refusing to fight in ukraine