White House Accuses Russia of Executing Soldiers for Disobedience Amid Ukrainian Invasion

US accuses Russia of threatening army units with execution if they retreat from Ukrainian forces, signaling morale problems within Russia's military 20 months into Ukraine invasion.

The White House has accused Russia of executing soldiers who failed to follow orders and threatening entire units with death if they retreat from Ukrainian artillery fire, reflecting Russia's morale issues 20 months into its grinding invasion of Ukraine.
The Wagner Group military contractor, known to have a practice of executing deserters, reportedly pulled out of Ukraine after an armed rebellion, while the Russian military has deployed 'barrier troops' that threaten to execute any deserters.
Countries such as Australia and Germany continue to pledge support and aid to Ukraine. Australia has pledged to allocate over $20 million in additional military assistance, including anti-drone systems. Germany plans to provide over €195 million for Ukraine to buy additional energy supplies and support businesses over the winter.
Ukrainian pilots have begun training on F-16 fighter jets in the US, preparing to hone skills in intercepting Russian aircraft, drones, and missiles, indicating that support from international allies continues to aid the resilience of the Ukrainian force.
The Ukrainian energy grid, which was damaged extensively by Russian strikes last year, is again braced for similar attacks as winter approaches; the Kyiv School of Economics estimated the cost of direct damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was more than $8.8 billion so far.