On Thursday, the White House made a disturbing revelation, stating that Russia is carrying out executions of soldiers who fail to adhere to orders and is even issuing threats of death to entire units if they retreat in the face of Ukrainian artillery fire. This concerning development is seen by U.S. national security officials as an indication of Russia’s morale issues, which have arisen during its arduous 20-month invasion of Ukraine, according to White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.
Quick Read
- White House revealed disturbing actions by Russia: executing soldiers who disobey orders and threatening whole units for retreating from Ukrainian artillery.
- U.S. national security officials see this as a sign of Russia’s morale problems during its 20-month Ukraine invasion.
- White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby strongly condemned these actions, calling them “reprehensible” and a reflection of Russia’s poor military performance.
- The White House has been downgrading and disclosing intelligence findings about Russia’s actions during the war to inform allies about Moscow’s intentions.
- President Joe Biden is urging the Republican-controlled House to provide additional funding to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
- A $106 billion supplemental funding request from President Biden includes over $61 billion for Ukraine.
- Kirby emphasized that supporting Ukraine is crucial as Putin remains committed to taking all of Ukraine.
- Specific details on the number of executed Russian soldiers or units threatened were not provided, but reports suggest such actions by the Wagner Group and regular Russian military “barrier troops.”
- The Russian military appears desperate in its attempts to make progress in regions like Donbas and Donetsk, deploying poorly trained and equipped individuals lacking proper leadership.
The Associated Press has the story:
White House: Russia Executes its own Soldiers for not following orders
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP)
On Thursday, the White House made a disturbing revelation, stating that Russia is carrying out executions of soldiers who fail to adhere to orders and is even issuing threats of death to entire units if they retreat in the face of Ukrainian artillery fire. This concerning development is seen by U.S. national security officials as an indication of Russia’s morale issues, which have arisen during its arduous 20-month invasion of Ukraine, according to White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.
Kirby expressed his strong condemnation, saying, “It’s reprehensible to think about executing your own soldiers simply for not obeying orders and now threatening to eliminate entire units; it’s barbaric.” He went on to suggest that these actions are symptomatic of Russia’s recognition of its poor military performance and mishandling of the situation.
Over the course of the war, the White House has downgraded and disclosed intelligence findings regarding Russian actions. This has been done to highlight Russian misinformation plans and other activities, ensuring that allies remain well-informed about Moscow’s intentions and make Russia reconsider its actions.
This revelation concerning Russia’s struggles comes at a time when President Joe Biden is urging the Republican-controlled House to provide additional funding to Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia in an ongoing conflict with no clear end in sight.
Kirby emphasized the importance of passing a nearly $106 billion supplemental funding request put forward by President Biden, which includes over $61 billion designated for Ukraine. He stated, “President Putin is not giving up on his aspirations to take all of Ukraine, and as long as Russia continues its brutal assault, we have to continue supporting the Ukrainian people and their self-defense.”
Kirby did not provide specific details about the number of Russian troops executed for disobedience or instances of units threatened with execution for retreating from Ukrainian fire. However, there have been reports of the Wagner Group, a military contractor, carrying out executions of those who fled Ukraine. These contract soldiers were withdrawn from Ukraine after their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, staged an armed rebellion in June. Additionally, reports, including those from the British Defense Ministry, suggest that regular Russian military forces have deployed “barrier troops” with orders to shoot any deserters.
Kirby concluded by highlighting the desperation of the Russian military to make progress in areas like Donbas and Donetsk, where they are deploying inadequately trained and equipped young men who lack proper leadership.
