The Russian soldiers refusing to fight in Ukraine

[Warpy]

Sergey joined the army as a conscript - most Russian men between the ages of 18-27 must complete one year of compulsory military service. But, after a few months, he made the decision to sign a two-year professional contract which would also give him a salary.

In January, Sergey was sent near the border with Ukraine for what he was told would be military drills. A month later - 24 February, the day Russia launched its invasion - he was told to cross the border. Almost immediately his unit found itself under attack.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61607184

I've been reading about and watching this stuff for a few weeks, but mostly on propaganda sites. This is the first actual news site with a comprehensive article on who these guys are and what they might be facing.

"Sergey" is likely a composite of a lot of stories about not knowing they were being sent into a war until the shit started to fly, about having no backup or air support, and about having the wrong supplies or no supplies. The more these guys talk quietly to family and friends (and their lawyers), the worse trouble Putin is in.

Worth the read, especially since this is a composite of professional military, not conscripts who were trained tio march in parades and do guard duty.

[Lovie777]

1. The Russian soldiers, many of them yes .. ....

it's the paid mercenaries that are still there.

[Warpy]

2. Did you read the article?

It was about a professional soldier drawing a paycheck.

If you're talking about Chechens and Syrians, those two countries did not send their best, let's leave it at that. No threat there.

[erronis]

3. Have not read/watched the article yet. What do you think about the "Wagner Group"

Apparently a mercenary that is funded and aided by the russians.

Seems very close to the DeVos/Prince Blackwater group that carried out a lot of atrocities in the name of the W Bush presidency.

[relayerbob]

4. They've lost thousands of their guys and equipment

Not many left actually fighting … they have even less incentive to die.

[erronis]

5. Wish the same could happen to the US mercenaries.

But the f'in almighty $ and worship of some deity seems to grab these types. Yee Haw - another Crusade!

[relayerbob]

6. They let the US military do the heavy lifting

They just go in and “police” afterward … bastards. The Wagner group had to actually do a lot of the fighting, as they have better equipment and little extra things … like food … water …. ammo. Didn’t matter much, still got their asses handed to them.

[erronis]

7. Wasn't Blackwater involved in gunship murdering of civilians in Iraq?

I think the lines of control and authority are purposefully blurred to prevent prosecution of the real perps.

That's why the military has so many contractors.

[relayerbob]

8. Among other horrible actions

They had to change the name of the company to get out of he spotlight

[Joinfortmill]

9. 👍