Overview
- Independent Russian outlet Verstka published an investigation this week alleging that commanders have used torture and summary executions to impose discipline on their own soldiers.
- The report identifies 101 alleged perpetrators and says at least 150 related deaths have been verified.
- Witnesses describe a practice called “nullen,” in which designated shooters or drones are used against comrades who refuse orders.
- Testimony recounts orders to send unarmed soldiers as “Leuchtfeuer” decoys, including a case where a fighter known as “Fiksa” was allegedly tortured and shot after refusing.
- The investigation details gladiator-style pit punishments and references an unverified May video of a pit fight, while noting that much of the evidence is difficult to independently confirm and accountability is scarce.