politics
Russian Veteran Threatens Revolt Over Alleged Soldier Abuse
A former Russian soldier posted a video warning of an armed uprising unless a meeting with the country's leadership is arranged. The clip has drawn millions of views and renewed attention to recruitment shortfalls.
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A 39-year-old war veteran from Russia's Voronezh region posted a video on social media threatening to lead an armed revolt unless he is granted a live televised meeting to discuss alleged mistreatment of troops. " He added that service members also face abuse for failing to hand money to commanders.
The video has been viewed more than 11 million times. In the recording, the veteran warned that "the army will turn its weapons against the Kremlin" if the requested meeting does not occur soon. A government press secretary stated he is aware of the video but has not viewed it, and no meeting has been confirmed.
Russian media report that the number of men volunteering for service in Ukraine has fallen by a third compared with the same period last year. Officials are considering a new round of call-ups after September parliamentary elections, the first such mobilization push since 2022.
Gaps in units are increasingly filled by detainees offered the chance to fight rather than serve prison time. One soldier described new recruits as "disposable," noting many are elderly, ill, or previously homeless.
