Russian troops found to be drunk on duty have been filmed being tied to trees and beaten as Putin’s forces continue to react to Ukraine’s surprise invasion into the Kursk region.
The Kursk invasion, the first time that Russian territory has been invaded since the Second World War, has been a major embarrassment for the Kremlin, with the speed and ease of Ukraine’s advance being seen by many as symptomatic of the military’s lack of discipline and preparedness.
The undated video shows a Russian commander ordering troops to be tied to trees in an unknown location before telling a henchman to punch them in the face.
The Jamestown Foundation, a global research group claims that Russia’s war in Ukraine has led to a surge in alcohol consumption and violent crime across Russia.
Issues surrounding alcoholism have long-plagued Putin’s frontline forces, with lack of discipline, the recruiting of convicts, conscription and low value of soldiers lives all playing a part.
The video, which has been shared thousands of times in X, shows the brutal methods being employed to punish those found to be drunk on the frontline.
In the footage, the foul-mouthed officer berates the soldiers for getting drunk on duty, a major problem in Putin’s ranks and Russian society.
He barked: “What the **** were you doing?” He told one: “I think you’re ****ing lost.”
And asked another: “Are you a drunk too….?”
He then orders an underling to beat the alleged military drunks.
“Kashira, give this one two punches in the face, also this one…..next one…”.
There have been reports of Russian troops thrown into Putin’s meat-grinder war resorting to vodka drugs on the frontline since the Putin launched his invasion more than two years ago.
Alcohol abuse among Russian soldiers has led to indiscipline, decreased operational readiness, and incidents of violence and accidents, according to anecdotal evidence including fights among soldiers, desertions, and insubordination.
But bullying too is endemic in Putin’s military machine, which has failed to modernise in the way of most Western armies, with dozens of similar videos being readily available online.
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
