Russian soldiers are alleging systematic brutality and executions within the ranks of the armed forces fighting in Ukraine, with some claiming they witnessed fellow troops killed on the orders of commanders for refusing to carry out orders. The allegations, detailed in recent reports by the BBC and Bulgarian media outlet Nova.bg, paint a grim picture of conditions on the Russian side of the conflict and raise serious questions about command practices.
According to accounts given to the BBC, soldiers have been executed for refusing orders, with one soldier recounting witnessing a comrade shot on the direct command of a commander who had been awarded the title “Hero of Russia” in 2024. Another soldier from a separate unit claimed to have seen his commander personally shoot four men, one of whom reportedly pleaded for his life, shouting, “Don’t shoot, I’ll do anything!”
The allegations extend to the disposal of bodies, with one soldier describing finding 20 corpses in a pit, reportedly those of soldiers who had been “zeroed” – a term used in Russian military slang to denote execution of one’s own troops. This practice, if confirmed, would constitute a grave breach of the laws of war.
These accounts align with reports from earlier this year, as documented by Human Rights Watch on , which investigated instances of apparent summary executions of Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces. The HRW report detailed drone footage analysis indicating at least 15 Ukrainian soldiers were executed while attempting to surrender, with the possibility of six more similar cases. The organization stated these incidents should be investigated as war crimes, adding to a “shameful legacy” of alleged atrocities committed by Russian forces since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The BBC reports that the Russian soldiers speaking out are now on the run, fearing retribution for their disclosures. One of the men, identified as Ilya, a 35-year-old former teacher, described being forcibly mobilized after police visited his parents’ home in . He alleges he was subjected to abuse and humiliation for refusing to participate in frontline combat.
Another soldier, identified as Dima, a 34-year-old former technician from Moscow, detailed witnessing executions ordered by a commander he labeled a “butcher.” He claimed bodies were found with their bank cards removed, suggesting a callous disregard for human life and potential theft. A former officer with 17 years of service reportedly spoke to individuals within a “liquidation squad” tasked with finishing off survivors, stating he had “never seen anything like it” in his career.
The reports come as concerns mount over the human cost of the conflict. While the Russian government maintains it “acts with maximum restraint” and investigates any alleged violations, the BBC cites British Ministry of Defence estimates suggesting over 1.2 million Russian military personnel have been killed or wounded since . Moscow has not released official casualty figures.
The allegations of executions within the Russian military raise profound questions about discipline, morale, and the command structure within the armed forces. The use of terms like “meat storms” – referring to relentless waves of attacks intended to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses – suggests a willingness to expend troops with little regard for their safety. The reported practice of “zeroing” highlights a brutal internal logic where dissent or refusal to obey orders is met with lethal force.
These claims, if substantiated, would represent a significant escalation in the documented abuses associated with the conflict in Ukraine. The international community will likely demand a thorough and transparent investigation into these allegations, and accountability for any individuals found responsible for war crimes or human rights violations. The reports underscore the urgent need for independent monitoring and verification of conditions within the Russian military, and the protection of those who come forward with information about alleged atrocities.
