The United Kingdom’s secret services indicated on Monday that Russian commanders are sending soldiers “who abuse alcohol and drugs” to units functioning as “punishment detachments” as part of the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“Russian independent media outlet Vertska reported in September 2023 that 15% of Russian military personnel in Ukraine use drugs, including amphetamines and cannabis, and it is easy to obtain even on the front lines”they said.
The British secret services took this into account “The information is credible and follows numerous reports of a high number of disciplinary incidents, crimes and deaths related to alcohol abuse among Russian armed forces.”.
“Russian commanders often punish those who abuse alcohol and drugs by sending them to Storm-Z attack detachments, which have become punitive detachments”they emphasized, and according to a statement released by the British Ministry of Defense through its page on the social network X.
British intelligence also noted that “one of the key elements of poor Russian discipline and substance abuse is likely to be the continued lack of opportunities for combat troops to move beyond the front line.”
The Russian military offensive on Ukrainian territory, launched on February 24 last year, plunged Europe into what is considered the worst security crisis since World War II (1939-1945).
Ukraine’s Western allies have supplied weapons to Kiev and approved successive sanctions packages against Russian interests to try to reduce Moscow’s ability to finance the war effort.
Source: DN
