Several soldiers mobilized from St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, who were ordered to fight in Avdiivka, complained that they had to attack Ukrainian positions only with assault rifles. After their brigade was defeated, the Russian command gave the order for a new attack.

In a video circulating on social media, a group of Russian soldiers with their faces covered stand by the shoulders of a comrade who claims they were sent to fight unarmed and untrained against Ukrainian forces who are far better trained and equipped, clearly outnumbering the army.

A Russian military officer addresses Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, telling him that they are part of the 138th Brigade, mobilized from St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast and fighting alongside the 200th Brigade in Donetsk Oblast.

The Russian military complains that they suffered huge losses, 70% of the personnel of the unit died at the front during the attack on the Ukrainian fortifications in Avdiivka, throwing into battle without intelligence, artillery and the help of experienced Russian troops.

The military is asking Putin to intervene because those who have managed to survive so far will be sent to slaughter, even if they do not have the necessary equipment and training.

Despite significant losses, they will be aimed at attacking Ukrainian positions, enemy artillery and Kyiv tanks with assault weapons.

Activists are wondering why the military leadership of the Russian army is ignoring Putin’s order not to use recruits in assault operations.

They also claim that they will be threatened if they do not want to follow the orders of their commanders.

Most of them have medical problems that they got on the front or had before.

Therefore, they claim that they will follow orders only if they are not forced to take an unjustified risk.

The message was recorded on Saturday, March 18, 2023.