WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House revealed today that the Russian military is resorting to extreme measures to maintain discipline among its soldiers in Ukraine. Soldiers who fail to follow orders are being executed, and entire units are being threatened with death if they retreat from Ukrainian artillery fire.
This disturbing development exposes the morale problems plaguing Russia’s military forces, which have been engaged in a grueling invasion of Ukraine for the past 20 months, according to White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
Kirby condemned these actions, stating, “It’s reprehensible to think that a country would execute its own soldiers simply because they refuse to follow orders. Threatening to execute entire units is barbaric. It’s a clear indication of Russia’s military leaders’ incompetence and mishandling of this conflict.”
The White House has been gradually disclosing intelligence findings regarding Russian actions throughout the war. This strategy aims to expose Russia’s plans for misinformation, ensuring that allies remain informed and cautious while deterring further Russian aggression.
As President Joe Biden urges the Republican-controlled House to provide additional funding for Ukraine’s ongoing defense efforts against Russia, this newly revealed intelligence on Russia’s struggles serves as further evidence of the need for support. The President’s recent $106 billion supplemental funding request, which includes over $61 billion for Ukraine, awaits approval from Congress.
Kirby emphasized the urgent importance of passing this funding request, stating, “President Putin has not abandoned his plans to take over all of Ukraine. In the face of Russia’s brutal assault, we must continue to support the Ukrainian people and their self-defense. Congress must step up and pass the supplemental requests put forth by the President to ensure we can fulfill our commitment.”
While specific details regarding the number of executed Russian soldiers or specific instances of units threatened with execution were not provided, reports have emerged about the Wagner Group military contractor executing deserters. Additionally, the regular Russian military allegedly has “barrier troops” ready to shoot any soldiers attempting to desert.
“The Russian forces are so desperate to make progress in the Donbas and Donetsk areas that they are deploying ill-prepared and ill-equipped young men who lack proper leadership,” Kirby stated.
