The Russian aggression against Ukraine continues to reveal the brutal and unprecedented tactics used by the Kremlin to manipulate its military. One such case involved a Russian conscript named Fyodor, who told UNIAN correspondent how he and his comrade detonated a grenade, attempting to take their own lives as Ukrainian forces advanced on their position in the Kursk region.
Manipulating Fear and Misinformation
Fyodor, a conscript from St. Petersburg, admitted that they were effectively “programmed” for suicide. Soldiers were constantly fed with the idea of inhumane torture awaiting them if they were captured by Ukrainian forces. According to him, the fear was so overwhelming that when he and his comrade found themselves in a desperate situation, they decided to take their own lives.
“I just took out the grenade. He said: ‘Let’s do it!’ We hugged and threw it on the ground, exchanging our final warm words. My comrade also had a leg injury. At that moment, I had already realized three times that I was close to death. We were afraid to surrender; we didn’t know what would happen next,” Fyodor recounted.
Reality that Changed the Mind
Fortunately, Fyodor’s suicide attempt was unsuccessful. Ukrainian soldiers provided him with first aid. They shared water, cigarettes, and even brought medications from other bunkers for the wounded.
Fyodor admitted that what he experienced in captivity was entirely different from what Russian propaganda had led him to believe. “I can only say thank you for saving my life and treating me,” he said.
This case is another example of how deeply and cruelly Russian propaganda impacts its soldiers, driving them to extreme measures. It also highlights the humanity and compassion of Ukrainian soldiers, who, despite the aggression from Russia, provide aid even to those fighting against their country.
Internal Linking: For a detailed understanding of how Ukraine plans to rebuild its state after Russian aggression, check out this article: Ukraine Launches Managerial Training for Post-Aggression Recovery.