Watch: Russian soldiers tell BBC they saw commanders order fellow troops' killing
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russian soldiers have shared harrowing accounts of executions carried out by their own commanders on the front lines in Ukraine, revealing a brutal reality of the conflict. In an BBC documentary titled *The Zero Line: Inside Russia's War*, two anonymous servicemen described witnessing soldiers being shot at close range for refusing orders to return to the battlefield. Ilya, a former special needs teacher who was drafted into the army, recounted seeing four people killed by a commander in an act known as "zeroing," a form of punishment and intimidation within the Russian military. Another soldier, Dima, described these executions as "normal" and spoke about the graphic details of the violence he witnessed.
The soldiers' testimonies shed light on the harsh conditions and fear that permeate life on the Russian side of the front lines. They explained how zeroing is used to maintain control over troops, with commanders targeting those who resist orders or attempt to retreat. The practice serves as a means of psychological warfare, ensuring compliance through fear of death. Despite these accounts, the Russian government has denied allegations of misconduct, stating that its forces operate with restraint and care for their personnel.
This story highlights the darker side of the war in Ukraine, raising questions about accountability and the treatment of soldiers within Russia's military. The testimonies from the BBC documentary provide a rare glimpse into the horrors faced by those on the front lines, offering insight into the human cost of the conflict. For readers interested in global affairs and human rights, this story underscores the importance of understanding the broader implications of war, including the psychological toll on soldiers and the challenges of maintaining discipline within a military engaged in an intense conflict.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026