Propaganda and a ban on surrender drive Russian troops to self-destruct on the battlefield, says Ukraine’s Defense Minister Fedorov.

Russian troops turning on themselves at the front

According to Novyny.live: Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has reported instances of Russian soldiers self-destructing on the front lines, a phenomenon he attributes to relentless propaganda and a strict prohibition against surrendering. Fedorov expressed hope that March 2023 could set a record for Russian casualties, predicting that over 30,000 Russian soldiers may end up severely wounded or killed.

In his address, Fedorov also highlighted that Russian forces continue to launch aggressive attacks on Ukrainian cities. According to the data, more than 3,000 drones were deployed across Ukraine within a single week, alongside 40 missile strikes targeting urban areas. These actions underscore an escalation in the conflict and growing tensions on the battlefield. To provide further context, this marks the first anniversary of the full-scale invasion, with both sides experiencing heavy losses.

Front-line situation

Additionally, over the four years of the full-scale war, more than 70 prisoner exchanges have taken place, reflecting both the prolonged and complex nature of the conflict and the ongoing humanitarian efforts by both sides. Fedorov also proposed awarding 12 ePoints to any unit within whose operational zone an occupier commits an act of self-destruction.

These factors highlight the dire situation at the front and the severe consequences faced by both Ukrainian and Russian military personnel during the war.

The front-line developments make it clear that the conflict is intensifying, particularly due to the rising number of attacks by Russian forces. The reported cases of soldiers self-destructing may serve as evidence of the immense psychological pressure on Russian troops. These events also underscore the humanitarian dimensions of the war, especially the ongoing need for prisoner exchanges despite the challenging circumstances. Overall, this data points to serious challenges confronting both sides of the conflict.