Vladimir Putin Allegedly Punishes Drunk Soldiers by Sending Them on ‘Suicide Squad’ Missions
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a joint news conference with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Earlier this week, the Daily Star reported that Putin punishes drunk soldiers by transferring them to an “expendable” collection of troops. (Pavel Bednyakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Within the Russian military, an alleged strategic approach attributed to President Vladimir Putin has come to light, particularly concerning soldiers grappling with alcohol-related issues, the Daily Star reported Wednesday.
This purported strategy involves the redirection of such individuals to a specialized combat division known as “Storm Z.” The unit has gained infamy for its perilous and near-suicidal missions, deeming its soldiers “expendable,” according to the news outlet.
Soldiers earmarked for the Storm Z unit allegedly encompass those exhibiting excessive drinking habits, a defiant attitude towards superiors or signs of inebriation. This reassignment is perceived as both punitive and a cautionary tale for other potential transgressors. Per the Daily Star, these enlisted soldiers confront severe risks during their assignments, and their safety and survival seem to take a back seat, effectively labeling them a “suicide squad” infantry.
According to reports, soldiers within the Storm Z unit operate in highly dangerous circumstances with little support, with some testimonies indicating that wounded members within the unit are denied medical assistance for injuries sustained during missions.
“If the commandants catch anyone with the smell of alcohol on their breath, then they immediately send them to the Storm squads,” one Russian insider claimed, the Daily Star reported.
“The Storm fighters are just sent to the most dangerous parts of the front, in defence and in attack.”
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