Russian Soldiers Allege On-Front Executions for Refusing Orders

Two Russian soldiers who are currently on the run have made claims regarding executions of soldiers by commanders on the front lines in Ukraine for refusing orders. These accounts were shared with the BBC from an undisclosed location outside Russia, as part of the documentary "The Zero Line: Inside Russia's War".

"Commanders killing their own men was 'a normal thing'," one soldier stated, describing widespread executions for refusing orders.

Witness Accounts Detail "Zeroing" Practice

Ilya, 35, stated that he observed a commander shoot four individuals at point-blank range. According to Ilya, these soldiers had fled the front line and would not return.

This practice, termed "Zeroing" in Russian military slang, is reportedly a method of punishment for refusing orders and is used as a form of intimidation for others.

Dima, another soldier, also reported witnessing these executions. He noted that commanders killing their own men was "a normal thing," describing seeing these events occur at a distance of two to three meters.

Russian Government Responds

The Russian government issued a statement indicating that its armed forces "operate with utmost restraint, as far as possible under the conditions of a high-intensity conflict, treating their personnel with maximum care."

It added that "information regarding alleged violations and crimes is duly investigated" and that it was "unable to independently verify the accuracy or authenticity of the information you have provided."