Russian Soldier Tortured and Forced to Eat Dirt After Attempting to Flee Ukraine Frontline

Gate News message, April 21 — Shocking footage has emerged showing a Russian soldier from the 82nd Motor Rifle Regiment being tortured and forced to eat soil in a pit after allegedly attempting to flee the frontline in Ukraine. The serviceman, seen wearing only underwear and appearing to suffer from broken ribs, was subjected to severe abuse by a commander.

In the harrowing video, the officer orders the soldier to his knees and forces him to consume earth while hurling insults. When the soldier pleads about his injured ribs, the commander shows no mercy, threatening him with a near-certain death sentence. The officer then orders the soldier to participate in a “pancake” mission the following day—a term referring to a landmine-based suicide raid on Ukrainian positions.

The incident reflects an apparent culture of torture within Russian military ranks. Recent reports have documented soldiers being chained by the neck in boxes, tied to trees, forced to bark like dogs, and denied food. Other footage shows commanders electrocuting their own troops and subjecting them to various forms of abuse. These brutal tactics have reportedly led to a surge in desertions among Russian forces.