Young recruit's tragic fate: Dreams of wealth end in war
Anatoliy Gorbachov signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence just one day after turning 18. He had ambitious plans to earn millions and move to St. Petersburg. However, he quickly faced the harsh reality of war, which proved too demanding for him. He died after less than a month of service.
Anatoliy Gorbachov, from Ryazan, located about 200 kilometres from Moscow, documented his experiences on Telegram when he arrived in the Russian capital. According to the "Belsat" station, the young man, who turned 18 a day before the event, signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence. He was in high spirits.
The recordings show him joking during drug tests, boasting about free food, and making new acquaintances. A few hours later, his initial enthusiasm began to fade. Frustration arose. He started feeling "hatred" towards his future colleagues, noting they only drank alcohol.
On August 27, Anatoliy found his name on the list of soldiers being sent to the front, which initially made him happy. However, over time, as the full reality of the situation began to sink in, he became aware that there was no escape from his impending fate.
According to "Belsat," in recordings, Anatoliy repeatedly expressed his hatred towards Ukrainians, using derogatory terms.
The Russian wanted to earn millions. "A man will die faster"
Anatoliy planned to move to St. Petersburg after returning from the war. "I'll earn seven million in a year and that's it" - he assured. Unfortunately, he did not realise these plans. A week before his death, as a soldier operating anti-tank grenade launchers, he was sent to a combat zone in a military truck.
According to "Belsat," the first complaints emerged about delays in the payment of money promised to him from the contract. - They promised to transfer the first 400,000 rubles (about £3,175) within 14 days, but so far nothing. A man will die faster than see the money - he complained.
On 12 September, he recorded a video stating that out of the 120 people in his unit, only 12 survived. As reported by "Belsat," the 18-year-old died two days later, on 14 September.
His girlfriend reported that Anatoliy stepped on a mine and sustained severe wounds, which led to his death. The information about his death was announced a week later. On 27 September, he was buried in Ryazan.
