Kathrine Frich
As a soldier, danger is expected to come from the enemy.
But for many on the frontlines, the threat may also come from within their own ranks.
New footage suggests that for some Russian troops, their own commanders may be just as feared as the battlefield.
Brutal treatment
According to reporting by the Daily Express, videos circulating on Telegram appear to show Russian commanders abusing their own soldiers.
The footage allegedly captures acts including beatings, electrocution and forcing troops to strip in freezing conditions.
In some cases, soldiers are seen crawling through mud while being shouted at or physically assaulted.
Graphic scenes
One clip reportedly shows troops tied to trees and subjected to electric shocks.
Another depicts soldiers thrown into a pit and threatened, with a commander firing nearby and shouting: “Lay there for a few more days until you understand how to follow orders.”
Other images suggest injured soldiers were still sent into combat despite their condition.
Mounting pressure
The videos emerged as Russia faced one of its deadliest periods of the war, with Ukrainian officials reporting around 1,700 casualties in a single day.
Estimates cited by analysts suggest total Russian losses since 2022 have reached over one million.
Such conditions are believed to be placing extreme pressure on frontline units.
Systemic issues
Military analyst Keir Giles told the Daily Mail that such abuse reflects deeper problems within Russian society.
“The Russian army reflects the society from which it’s drawn. And that’s a society in which violence, extortion, and corruption are endemic,” he said.
He added that many recruits come from disadvantaged backgrounds, making them more vulnerable to exploitation.
Fear and control
Reports also describe so-called “meat storm” tactics, where soldiers are sent into repeated assaults under threat of punishment if they retreat.
According to the footage and testimonies, refusal to follow orders can result in violent reprisals.
Analysts say such methods may be used not only to enforce discipline, but to maintain control within overstretched units.
Sources: Daily Mail, Daily Express.
