By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Reports from Ukraine reveal brutal mistreatment of Russian soldiers, with videos surfacing that show individuals tied to trees, abused, and subjected to cruel punishments, often for desertion. These actions are sometimes linked to the Slavic folklore figure Baba Yaga, suggesting a perceived sacrifice. Radio intercepts and testimonies from Ukrainian drone commanders confirm these practices, highlighting a culture of fear and desperation within the Russian army. As a result, many soldiers are choosing to desert, with estimates placing the number in the tens of thousands, driven by poor treatment, low morale, and a lack of belief in the war.
Read the original article here
Brutal punishments are being meted out to Russian soldiers no longer willing to fight for Putin, a reality that paints a grim picture of the internal dynamics of the Russian military. It’s a stark reflection of a system operating, seemingly, in a time warp – more akin to the 18th century than the 21st. It’s hard not to see this as a sign of the leadership’s true nature, revealing the kind of regime Putin has cultivated. The severity of these punishments, inflicted even before soldiers reach the battlefield, speaks volumes about the desperation to maintain control and the lengths the military will go to in suppressing dissent.
These harsh measures extend to those who simply enlist. The very act of joining the Russian army, it seems, can be enough to warrant punishment. This reinforces the idea that the state, under Putin, sees its soldiers as expendable tools, a means to an end, with little regard for their well-being or personal agency. The soldiers are essentially being treated as fodder, as pawns in a game of geopolitical chess, and those who show reluctance are swiftly and brutally silenced. It is easy to see why this is unpopular amongst the population.
The situation also highlights the potential for deep-seated resentment within the ranks. It makes you wonder just how many soldiers are truly committed to this war, and how many are simply trying to survive. The reality is that these soldiers are likely to be more at risk from their own side than any perceived enemy. The thought of this army turning against its own leaders and causing Putin to suffer is the only way out.
The focus is on those who don’t want to die. The reluctance of soldiers isn’t always about anti-war sentiment, but rather the primal instinct to survive. Many just want to avoid being thrown into a meat grinder. They might not be protesting the war itself, but they certainly don’t want to be the ones paying the ultimate price.
It’s critical to acknowledge the atrocities. Stories of torture, beheadings, and other heinous acts are not just rumors; they are documented realities, supported by video evidence and firsthand accounts. These are not isolated incidents, but rather a systemic pattern of brutality that reflects the regime’s core values. The world’s failure to act, the apparent reluctance to intervene, feels like a betrayal.
Imagine if, instead of fearing their commanders, Russian soldiers would defect to Ukraine. The idea of the Russian military fracturing from within, with soldiers and civilians alike seeking refuge, could be a decisive turning point in the conflict. It’s a scenario that could lead to the collapse of the Russian state and potentially end the war, but it would also be dangerous to the world.
The “civilized” world must consider the Russian people themselves. There is a potential for the disintegration of the monolithic culture they’ve been forced into, leading to people being able to find their own identities and cultures.
The systemic brutality, the lack of regard for human life, and the overall atmosphere of fear are not merely the actions of a few rogue actors but a reflection of the system under Putin. Putin is not an aberration, but a symptom of a deeper problem that has plagued Russia for centuries. This is also what makes it difficult to see if it is the people or just the rulers who are the problem.
It’s not just the leaders, it is the Russian people who are stuck in a cycle of violence. A regime that relies on force and fear to maintain control can’t expect genuine loyalty. The Russian soldiers who face such brutal punishments are a tragic illustration of the human cost of this war. It’s a situation that demands not only condemnation but also a recognition of the deep-seated problems within the Russian system that have created this inhumane reality.