Newly surfaced videos reveal severe punishments inflicted on Russian soldiers accused of disobeying orders or attempting to abandon their posts. The footage depicts harrowing scenes where captives are subjected to brutal treatment by their commanders, raising significant concerns about the conduct of Russian military leaders amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In one particularly alarming clip, a soldier identified as a mutineer is bound upside down to a tree in freezing conditions. Another soldier, also tied to a tree, is forced to endure humiliation as his superior shoves snow into his mouth. Both men, stripped of their winter gear and left in their underwear, visibly tremble in the bitter cold. The commanding officer is heard berating them, stating: “They wanted to **** off from their positions, not follow orders.” As he continues to force snow into one detainee’s mouth, he yells, “Eat, you ****ing *****.” One soldier pleads for mercy, apologizing, “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again,” but the response from the commander is swift and harsh: “You need to work, not **** off. Did I tell you where to go?”
The disturbing footage has drawn condemnation from various sources. The Ukrainian media outlet Butusov Plus remarked, “Russia turns people into cattle, because only animals obey orders without saying a word. Orwell’s farmyard – this is Putin’s Russia.” Similarly, the War Archive noted that the video showcases “updated” torture methods employed by Russian commanders against their personnel. The Nevzorov Telegram channel commented on the atmosphere of fear, stating that local commanders have resorted to inventing new forms of punishment due to pressure from higher-ups.
Ongoing Attacks in Ukraine
These revelations come at a time when fresh Russian attacks have plunged large areas of Ukraine into darkness. Reports indicate that approximately 80% of the city of Kharkiv and its surrounding region are without electricity as temperatures drop to dangerous levels. Kharkiv governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed the extent of the damage, stating, “Our energy system came under attack and there was quite serious damage. All crews are at work to eliminate all the negative consequences quickly.”
Residents face dire conditions, with one local describing the situation: “There was no electricity last night, everything was knocked out. What could we do? It’s almost 24 hours now, and it’s -18°C outside.”
Further south, intense strikes on the Black Sea port city of Odesa resulted in injuries to 22 people, according to officials. Authorities expressed concern that some residents may be trapped under debris after a residential block was struck. Ukrainian war journalist Denis Kazansky characterized the attacks as a “ritualistic, demonstrative murder,” criticizing Russian forces for targeting civilians.
The head of Odesa’s military administration, Serhiy Lysak, reported that the shelling damaged infrastructure, including residential buildings, a kindergarten, and a store. He confirmed that 22 people sustained injuries during the assault, which has heightened fears of further humanitarian crises in the region.
As diplomatic efforts continue, there remains little indication that Vladimir Putin is prepared to cease hostilities in Ukraine. The ongoing violence and treatment of both military personnel and civilians underscore the severe human cost of the conflict, drawing international scrutiny and condemnation.
