Estonia’s Foreign Minister is advocating for an EU-wide entry ban on former Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine, citing security concerns and the potential for increased criminality. Estonia already implemented a ban on 261 Russian fighters and now seeks a coordinated approach across the bloc due to the potential influx of nearly one million combatants. The current methods for identifying and banning individuals are deemed too slow and reliant on individual countries. While Estonia’s proposal faces challenges, particularly in listing individual fighters and providing evidence, it is driven by reports of increased crime linked to returning soldiers from the war.
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Wives of Russian soldiers in Ukraine are reportedly facing a cruel reality: denial of benefits due to the supposed secrecy surrounding their husbands’ records. This is, to put it mildly, a devastating blow to families already reeling from the potential loss of a loved one. The situation, as it unfolds, paints a grim picture, suggesting that the Russian government may be exploiting the chaos of war to evade its financial obligations. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for those left behind, struggling to make ends meet while grieving.
The narrative emerging from this situation isn’t about mere bureaucratic hurdles. It’s about a systematic disregard for the families of those fighting, potentially dying, for their country.… Continue reading
A recent analysis of court rulings by Vyorstka reveals that returning Russian soldiers have been responsible for over 1,000 deaths and injuries within Russia since the start of the Ukraine invasion. The review indicates at least 551 deaths and 465 serious injuries, with former prisoners who fought in Ukraine accounting for a significant portion of the casualties. Many of these incidents occurred during domestic disputes, frequently involving alcohol or drugs, and often targeted the veterans’ own relatives or acquaintances.
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Ukraine jails Russian soldier for life for killing POW in first such ruling, and this event really does stand out. It’s not just another headline; it’s a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the complexities and the grim realities of war. This marks the first time Ukraine has handed down a life sentence to a Russian soldier for the specific crime of killing a Ukrainian prisoner of war. The court’s decision isn’t just about punishment; it’s about making a statement. It’s a declaration that these actions have consequences and that the rule of law, even amidst the chaos of war, is being upheld.… Continue reading
Ukraine’s kill zone takes shape in Sumy Oblast—Russians trapped in Yunakivka say hope is gone. So, we’re talking about a potentially dire situation unfolding in the Sumy Oblast of Ukraine, specifically around the town of Yunakivka. The premise is that Russian forces are finding themselves trapped, with reports circulating that their situation is so desperate that any remaining hope has vanished. Now, let’s be clear, the details we’re looking at suggest a highly contested and volatile environment, a genuine kill zone.
The most immediate question that pops up is, just how many Russian soldiers are actually caught in this pocket? The initial scans of the available information didn’t give a precise answer, leaving a bit of ambiguity.… Continue reading
A Russian soldier, Artem Kulikov, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Ukrainian court for the murder of two civilians near Kupiansk. Kulikov, drafted from a Russian prison, was deployed to the Kharkiv region where he and another soldier abducted the civilians and executed them after they refused to provide information on Ukrainian military positions. This sentence comes as the UN reported the highest casualty count in the war since May 2022. The investigation also revealed Kulikov provided evidence against his commanders who ordered the killing of civilians.
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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.
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According to a report by Mediazona, over 20,000 Russian soldiers have faced prosecution for refusing to fight in Ukraine since September 2022, with the majority of cases involving going AWOL. These cases highlight a significant issue within the Russian military, with widespread reports of abuse and punishment tactics employed to maintain order. Despite these challenges, Russia continues to recruit a large number of soldiers monthly, often offering substantial financial incentives. Additionally, President Putin signed a decree to significantly increase the size of the Armed Forces, further indicating the scale of Russia’s ongoing war efforts.
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Radio Svoboda’s investigation details the killings of six Bucha residents—Andrii Matviychuk, Vitalii Karpenko, Volodymyr Rubailo, Dmytro Konovalov, Valerii Kizilov, and Ihor Horodetskyi—potentially linking four soldiers from the Russian 234th Airborne Assault Regiment: Sergeant Artem Dementiev, Lieutenant Artem Tareyev, Sergeant Vladimir Borzunov, and Captain Yevheniy Plyusnin. The investigation meticulously reconstructs three days of events in March 2022, utilizing surveillance footage, eyewitness testimonies, and victim family accounts. Analysis of this evidence, including a confirmed interview with Borzunov, points towards the Russian army’s culpability in these civilian deaths. Previously unseen footage from security cameras further supports these findings.
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Russia has dramatically increased monetary incentives for volunteer soldiers, with signing bonuses exceeding $23,800 in some regions and reaching almost $47,500 in others. These escalating payments reflect Russia’s difficulties in replenishing its depleted military units. The recruits largely consist of financially vulnerable individuals and susceptible youth swayed by propaganda. This escalation follows reports of intensified military registration efforts and forced conscription in occupied Ukrainian territories.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood