Well, that only took a few hours.

Just after midnight today I reported on a decrease in medical payments to Russian military troops wounded in the fighting in Ukraine, which officially included a nearly $30,000 supplemental payment to those deemed “unfit for duty.” And I wondered how that determination was to be made, and by whom.

I still don’t have the answer to the “how” or “who” questions. But a brief news flash popped up this morning, giving a clear indication that those details are irrelevant in a military organization that sends its wounded back into battle, fit or not.

Telegram channel “Baza” has reported that more than a dozen wounded contract soldiers — who had traded criminal prosecution for the “opportunity” to be blown to smithereens in Ukraine — fled their military unit near Novosibirsk when they received word that they were being sent back into battle . . . despite their injuries. [RFE/RL, November 14, 2024.]

Way to save $30,000 a head, people!

Thus far, seven of the AWOL soldiers have been captured, with the remainder still at large. No indication has been given as to what their fate will be, though I can’t imagine it could be worse than being sent back into the meat grinder of battle.

The brief report also fails to clarify the extent of the men’s injuries, most likely because that information has not been provided by the Russian military. Presumably, if they were able to “flee,” they’re at least mobile; but that doesn’t necessarily make them fit to fight.

Clearly, more information is needed here. But the whole idea of being given a choice between prison and war — the ultimate “rock” and “hard place” — is beyond my comprehension.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
11/15/24