Four Russian soldiers have come forward with disturbing accounts of violence and executions within their ranks during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In interviews with the BBC, they detailed incidents where fellow troops were executed for disobeying orders, highlighting the brutal conditions faced by soldiers on the front lines.
One soldier, identified only as Ilya, recounted witnessing a comrade executed on the orders of a commander, who was later honored as a “Hero of Russia” in 2024. “I see it – just two metres, three metres… click, clack, bang,” he described, a chilling reflection of the reality many soldiers face. Another soldier, Dima, confirmed the horrific actions of his commander, stating he witnessed the execution of four men who were shot at point-blank range for refusing to return to the front.
These testimonies emerged in the documentary “The Zero Line: Inside Russia’s War,” which presents firsthand accounts of the extreme violence and psychological trauma experienced by Russian troops. The soldiers used the term “zero” to describe the act of executing their own men, a practice that serves as both punishment and intimidation for those who might consider defying orders.
The soldiers disclosed that they endured severe punishment for refusing to participate in what they termed “meat storms,” assaults characterized by sending wave after wave of soldiers into battle with little chance of survival. These tactics, described as almost suicidal, aim to exhaust Ukrainian forces through relentless attacks. According to the UK’s Ministry of Defence, as many as 1.2 million Russian troops have been killed or injured since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022.
Ilya, who worked as a teacher before being mobilized, shared that he was conscripted alongside 78 other men in May 2024. He described a chaotic scene at the recruitment center in Perm, where most recruits were intoxicated and eager to fight. Once deployed to Ukraine, he quickly witnessed the harsh realities of war. “Your fate depended on your commander,” he remarked, underscoring the unpredictability of survival in such a hostile environment.
Dima, a former dishwasher repairman, faced a similar fate. He was coerced into military service and eventually became a paramedic. In his role, he saw numerous executions ordered by his commander, Alexei Ksenofontov, who later received the Gold Star and was named a “Hero of Russia.” Dima expressed deep disillusionment with Ksenofontov’s leadership, calling him a “butcher” responsible for the deaths of many of his men.
The soldiers also revealed the dehumanizing treatment of those who refused orders. Ilya described instances of torture, including being tied up and beaten, while Dima recounted the execution of soldiers who had been sent to the front line without proper equipment. “They just took their bank cards and killed them,” he said, emphasizing the disregard for lives in the chaotic environment of war.
The situation is exacerbated by a lack of accountability within the Russian military, as commanders are often not held responsible for their actions. The Russian government maintains that its armed forces operate with “utmost restraint” and that any alleged violations are thoroughly investigated. Yet, the testimonies from these soldiers paint a starkly different picture of life on the battlefield.
As the war continues, these soldiers have found themselves outside of Russia, grappling with the mental scars of their experiences. “I have dreams. I see a forest full of dead bodies,” Dima shared, reflecting on the profound trauma they carry. Despite their harrowing experiences, they express a desire for change, voicing their discontent with the current regime and the ongoing conflict.
Amid the chaos, the stories of these soldiers serve as a reminder of the human cost of war. The brutal realities of the conflict in Ukraine highlight the urgent need for accountability and a reevaluation of military tactics that prioritize human lives over strategies of attrition.
