Unveiled: Distressed Russian soldier found by Ukrainian medics in Awdijiwka, signs of 'Storm Z' affiliation
The unfolding events were recounted by a Ukrainian medic. As per his account, they coordinated their team with the Ukrainian Armed Forces to extract an injured individual in the vicinity of Awdijiwka.
12 February 2024 06:28
Upon reaching the location, they identified an elderly soldier dressed in a uniform bearing close resemblance to that of the Russian Federation's. The discovery left them stunned when they verified its authenticity.
The Ukrainians didn't hesitate to approach the stranger, probing his origins and purpose of visit. The man was evidently disoriented, but it was unclear whether this was his genuine state or an act. It emerged that he was a soldier under Putin's command who had lost his bearings.
"Are you heading to Krasnohoriwka?" - the man asked as they approached him.
"Take you to Krasnohoriwka? No, we won't assist you" - the Ukrainians retorted, subsequently patting him down for any documents or weapons.
Upon questioning his affiliation with the "Storm Z" unit, the man affirmed. This is a standard term for the Russian military's subdivisions, populated by prisoners who prefer to risk the front line over serving time in penal colonies and labour camps. Every unit, containing roughly 100 to 150 people, falls under the regular army's jurisdiction.
Several months ago, it was reported that intoxicated recruits, convicts, and disobedient soldiers found themselves in "Storm Z" units. It's a cohort that ideally should be kept behind bars. However, Putin has sent such men to face the front line and lay down their lives for Russia.
"Guys, where am I?" - the bewildered man asked.
The common consensus is that "Storm Z" units are essentially "cannon fodder", often deemed "excess infantry", and thrust into the front line's most perilous sectors.
The video provoked a stark public response, most notably from Ukrainian internet users.
"Noticing the ZSU patches and even sewn-on American flags, yet he asks where he is? He's deserted and acts lost for the camera's sake" - claimed one commenter.
"'Storm Z?' 'Da da da :).' Nods in agreement, likely mentally impaired," added another.
Second year of conflict in Ukraine
As of Sunday, it's the 719th day of the Russian incursion into Ukraine. Nearly two years have passed since the onset of the attack. Just the previous night, Ukrainian air defences neutralised 40 of the 45 drones used by Russia to assault Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions between Saturday night and Sunday.
The Ukrainian Air Forces disclosed that the drones were launched from the Russian-occupied Crimea.
The Russian attack targeted central Ukrainian regions: Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr and Cherkasy, in addition to other areas further south: Kirovograd and Dnepropetrovsk, and even more southern areas: Odessa, Nikolaev and Kherson.
