There is a problem of alcohol and drug abuse among Russian soldiers fighting on the front in Ukraine. This was highlighted in the daily bulletin of British Military Intelligence.
In September, the independent Russian newspaper Vertska reported that up to 15% of Russian soldiers in Ukraine were using drugs, including amphetamine and cannabis, which are easy to obtain even on the front. Such reports, the publication notes, are relevant. Credibility and consistency of many reports. Reports since the beginning of the invasion indicate a high rate of disciplinary incidents, crimes, and deaths due to alcohol abuse among Russian forces.
“Russian leaders often punish alcohol and drug use With the transfer to Storm Z assault units, which are now penal divisions. Military intelligence concluded that one of the main reasons for Russia’s poor discipline and drug abuse was the continued lack of opportunities to rotate troops from duty to the front line.
On the other hand, problems are currently preoccupying the leaders. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustam Umarov is considering the dismissal of three military commanders. This is what the newspaper “Ukrinska Pravda” wrote, citing sources from the political-military leadership. At risk are the positions of Tetyana Ostashenko, commander of the medical departments, Oleksandr Tarnavsky, commander of the forces of the Tavria Strategic Group (Southern Front), and Serhiy Naev, commander of the combined forces of the army.
The sources did not explain the reasons for the possible dismissal of Tarnavsky, the commander of one of the counterattack fronts. As for Naev, the reasons were not given, but it is possible that he will participate in the investigation into the failure to defend the Kherson region at the time of the Russian invasion in February 2022. Ostashenko’s dismissal will eventually be requested by the doctors and medics involved. In medical supplies for the army. New Minister Deesa Omerov took office in early September.
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