Russian soldiers 'murdered and tortured by their commanders'

Russian commanders are killing - or deliberately sending to their deaths - soldiers who refuse to fight in Ukraine, according to an investigation that paints a bleak picture of violence within the Russian army.

- Pjotr Sauer

Drawing on testimonies from soldiers, relatives of the dead, leaked videos and official complaint records, the independent outlet Verstka said it had identified 101 Russian servicemen accused of murdering, torturing or fatally punishing their comrades.

The outlet said it had verified at least 150 deaths but believed the true tally to be far higher.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reports of soldiers being killed by their own side, and of "blocking units" deployed to prevent retreats, have circulated widely. The Kremlin has repeatedly rejected allegations of indiscipline among Russian troops, insisting that such problems are instead rife within the Ukrainian army.

Verstka's report appears to be the most comprehensive to date, documenting a catalogue of methods used to enforce obedience within the ranks. It cited testimonies from soldiers who said commanders had appointed "execution shooters" to open fire on refusers and dump their bodies in rivers or shallow graves, registering them as killed in action.