Occupiers are forced to the front under threat of execution
Russian soldiers at the front are being forced to move to combat positions even when they openly state that doing so poses a deadly risk. If they refuse or attempt to postpone the move, commanders threaten them with physical violence. A corresponding intercepted conversation was released by the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (HUR).
The recording shows Russian commanders ordering their subordinates to advance to combat positions at night, despite the high risk of death, leaving them with no choice.
In the conversation, one Russian serviceman tries to negotiate postponing the move to the position until morning. He openly speaks about the danger of moving at night and admits that he barely made it to shelter alive.
“Could I please go at six in the morning? I don’t want to take such risks at this time. I barely made it from that basement,” the soldier says.
Instead of explanations or concern for the subordinate, he is met with aggression and direct threats. The superior abruptly resorts to shouting and obscene language, making it clear that any doubts or objections will be severely punished.
“If you say one more ***** word, I’ll ***** tear you apart later — I’ll come for you myself… Move now, I told you,” the commander replies.
HUR notes that such conversations are not isolated incidents but part of a system in which Russian soldiers are effectively treated as expendable. Troops are forced to carry out orders regardless of the situation, time of day or obvious threat to life. Any attempt to avoid a dangerous task is regarded as insubordination and punished with threats or physical violence.
Ukrainian intelligence has repeatedly reported that intimidation, pressure from commanders and punishment for refusing to attack are widespread in Russian army units. Such cases are particularly common during night assaults, when personnel losses increase significantly.
HUR stresses that every Russian soldier who does not want to become “cannon fodder” has a chance to save their life. They can do so by using the Ukrainian “I Want to Live” project via a dedicated Telegram bot, where occupiers are given instructions on how to surrender safely and avoid death.
