Russia soldiers tell BBC they saw fellow troops executed on commanders' orders
Four men expose the horror and brutality of conditions in the Ukraine war, with two saying they saw soldiers being shot for refusing orders.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I remember one of them screaming 'Don't shoot, I'll do anything!' but he [the commander] zeroed them anyway."
— Ilya , Other
"The saddest thing is that I knew them. I remember one of them screaming 'Don't shoot, I'll do anything!' but he [the commander] zeroed them anyway."
— Ilya , Other
"The saddest thing is that I knew them. I remember one of them screaming 'Don't shoot, I'll do anything!' but he [the commander] zeroed them anyway."
— Ilya , Other
"I was watching them and thinking, 'How did I end up here?' I was so scared."
— Ilya , Other
"'Don't shoot, I'll do anything.'"
— Ilya , Other
Key People
Tags
All Coverage
Four men expose the horror and brutality of conditions in the Ukraine war, with two saying they saw soldiers being shot for refusing orders.
Four Russian soldiers describe witnessing comrades being executed by commanders for refusing orders during the Ukraine war.
Four Russian soldiers describe witnessing comrades being executed by commanders for refusing orders during the Ukraine war.
Four Russian soldiers recount witnessing comrades being executed by commanders for refusing orders during the Ukraine war.
Four Russian soldiers recount witnessing comrades being executed by commanders for refusing orders during the Ukraine war.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Nine killed in Ukrainian strike on bus in Russian-controlled Luhansk region, Russia says - Reuters
Nine killed in Ukrainian strike on bus in Russian-controlled Luhansk region, Russia says Reuters
August 26, 2026 at 02:18 PMProminent Ukrainian commanders to lead defence of eastern region demanded by Russia - Reuters
Prominent Ukrainian commanders to lead defence of eastern region demanded by Russia Reuters
August 26, 2026 at 03:39 PMRussian serviceman killed in explosion in St. Petersburg, media reports - Reuters
Russian serviceman killed in explosion in St. Petersburg, media reports Reuters
August 27, 2026 at 10:31 AMRussia says it has captured three villages in Ukraine's Donetsk and Sumy regions - Reuters
Russia says it has captured three villages in Ukraine's Donetsk and Sumy regions Reuters
August 29, 2026 at 10:51 AMDeadly strike on Kyiv warehouse prompts evacuations
Ukraine correspondent Dan Johnson reports from Kyiv after the deadly strike, which authorities said killed more than 30 people.
August 29, 2026 at 01:55 PMRussian strike on Kyiv-area warehouse sparks detonation, killing 37 - Reuters
Russian strike on Kyiv-area warehouse sparks detonation, killing 37 Reuters
August 29, 2026 at 11:42 AM