By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Recent investigations by the independent Russian outlet Verstka reveal an alarming increase in extrajudicial killings within the Russian military, referred to as “nullifying,” where soldiers are executed. This practice involves sending personnel on deadly missions without proper gear, as well as executing those who refuse to participate in suicidal assaults, often motivated by financial gain. Commanders are allegedly profiting from the situation through bribes and transferring salaries, with refusal to pay resulting in execution. These findings underscore the brutal tactics employed in Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine, where human wave assaults have led to heavy casualties.
Read the original article here
“Zeroing out” — Russian troops carrying out torture, executions in their own ranks, as a media investigation has found. It’s a chilling reality, isn’t it? The reports, though disturbing, seem to confirm a pattern of brutality within the Russian military, extending beyond the atrocities committed against Ukrainian civilians. Seeing the videos, hearing the screams – it’s enough to shake anyone. And the fact that the perpetrators seem to revel in their actions… it’s a level of depravity that’s hard to fathom.
This sort of behavior, sadly, isn’t entirely surprising. It’s almost a reflection of a mindset where those deemed “enemies” are seen as less than human. When you dehumanize your adversary, it becomes easier to justify any act of violence. And, as history often shows, that same dehumanization can then extend to those within one’s own ranks.
The potential implications of these internal purges are far-reaching. While it’s horrific to contemplate the suffering, it’s also true that this kind of internal conflict can weaken an army. Skilled soldiers and competent officers are essential for any military to function effectively. If these individuals are being targeted, the overall effectiveness of the Russian forces will inevitably suffer. It’s like a chess game, as someone aptly put it, where the “high school bullies” are in charge instead of the strategically-minded, which will lead to the downfall of the whole plan.
This isn’t just about the current conflict; it’s a symptom of a deeper problem. The Russian system appears to be doubling down on control and repression, further cementing Putin’s power, perhaps using the war as a means to consolidate internal authority. There are historical parallels here, reminiscent of Stalin’s purges. This approach, while seeming counterintuitive during wartime, may stem from a desire to maintain order and control at any cost.
Of course, the immediate consequences are devastating for the victims. It’s easy to say “good riddance” when considering the actions of the Russian military, but there are individuals, potentially even within these ranks, who may deserve sympathy. Perhaps those forced into service, those who refuse to commit atrocities, or those who simply fear for their lives. It’s a complicated situation, and the lines of right and wrong are blurred.
It’s also worth considering the context of the information. The reports come from a media outlet run by Russian dissidents. This doesn’t invalidate the information, but it does mean it’s crucial to approach the reports with a critical eye, understanding the potential for bias and the challenges of verifying information in a war zone. The intention behind such stories might be to galvanize support for the war effort by demonizing the enemy, and it’s something to remain aware of.
Regardless of the source, however, the claims of torture and execution within the Russian military are deeply disturbing, and if these reports prove to be accurate, they’re further evidence of the moral decay at the heart of the conflict. The reports, and the underlying issues they highlight, contribute to the picture of a military and a political system that is brutal and out of control.
There is a sense that this behavior is ingrained in the Russian system. This has been going on for a long time. The traditions of the Russian army and its culture of hazing and violence – along with the stresses of war – create a volatile environment. The potential for these atrocities is there, and perhaps even expected.
But there’s also the question of impact. When you have a military that is more afraid of its own command structure than of the enemy, it severely hampers their operational effectiveness. It wastes resources. There is a cost to these actions.
The comments about the situation from those who have seen evidence, and have to bear it firsthand, reinforce the sense of horror. It emphasizes the need for a reckoning, and the desire to see those responsible held accountable.
Ultimately, the reports of “zeroing out” within the Russian military paint a grim picture, not only of the atrocities committed in Ukraine, but of the internal rot that may be consuming the Russian war machine. While these events are horrific, it’s important to remember that these events are not just about individual acts of barbarity, but about the systemic failures that enable them.