Mud, freezing temperatures, little to eat – that’s everyday life for many Russian soldiers who have been mobilized by force. But some of the troops involved in the war against Ukraine apparently live much more comfortably!
According to reports, the troops of the Islamist Chechen leader are among the soldiers who enjoy almost luxury privileges in comparison Ramsan Kadyrov (46). He is the bloodhound of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin (70), known for his military brutality.
His fighters should be allowed to stay in hotels. The wife of a Putin soldier is said to have told the independent Russian Telegram portal “Sota”. Her husband said the same thing to a military psychologist who asked him about his attitude towards the war.
“My husband is outspoken and foolish. He has set out his position on this whole war. That the local population is against the occupation, that the Kadyrovites and other elite units live in hotels, while the rank and file soldiers live in barracks, in terrible conditions, without supplies and food,” the wife said.
Apparently, the Kadyrov fighters enjoy a special status – and that causes resentment among other soldiers.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the Chechens are rarely on the front lines. Instead, they stayed much more in the background. Among other things, they are supposed to stop deserters – and shoot them if necessary, according to the Ukrainian account.
Oleg Orlov (69), activist of the human rights organization Memorial, which is banned by Russia, also attributes the conflicts between the Kadyrov fighters and regular troops to the unequal distribution of equipment: “They are better armed than other units.” There was jealousy and dislike, who turn to hate.
Ex-US general: Russian collapse not ruled out
The fact is that many analysts continue to see the Ukrainian troops at an advantage over the Russian army in the coming winter. The young Russian leaders at the front are “very worn down,” wrote military researcher Jack Watling from the London “Royal United Service Institute” recently Twitter.
The soldiers lacked winter clothing, training and, given the low temperatures, adequate conditions in the positions.
Ben Hodges (64), former supreme commander of the US Army in Europe, even believes that “a collapse of the Russian army cannot be ruled out” in the winter.