Russian Soldier Jailed for Life Over Drunken Murder of Fellow Troops—Report
February 11, 2025
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A Russian soldier angered by his commander reportedly returned to his dugout after drinking and fatally shot four of his comrades.
Independent outlet Mediazona said that Corporal Nikita Posmetukhov had been sentenced to life in prison on Monday for the incident, which took place in November 2023.
Newsweek reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
There have been numerous reports of low morale among Moscow’s forces fighting against Ukraine, which have caused large numbers of them to desert the front line.
Complaints about the competency of commanders and poor training, as well as concerns at huge losses due to so-called “meat wave” tactics to gain ground, have added to the problems that Russian forces have faced.
Russian volunteers undergo military training in Rostov on December 6, 2022. Russian volunteers undergo military training in Rostov on December 6, 2022. Getty Images
What To Know
Mediazona said the case was heard behind closed doors before Russia’s Southern Military District Court. The outlet said it obtained a document detailing the November 28, 2023, incident among the 17th Tank Regiment of Russia’s 70th Motorized Rifle Division.
Corporal Nikita Posmetukhov reportedly had become angry with his captain for imposing disciplinary measures and threatening to transfer him to an assault unit.
After drinking alcohol with his colleagues, the accused took a machine gun and went to the command dugout, knocked on the door, and started shooting at patrolmen, killing a junior sergeant.
He then shot a lieutenant colonel, a captain and a private while they were sleeping before being detained, according to the report, which said that the commander Posmetukhov was angry with was not among the dead.
Posmetukhov was convicted of killing two or more people and charged with violence against military command in an armed conflict and jailed for life.
Russian casualties continue to mount ahead of the third anniversary of the war started by Vladimir Putin on February 24. Ukraine’s latest tally of Russian troops who have been killed or wounded hit 851,880 on Tuesday.
Ukraine’s National Resistance Center (NRC) said on Monday that the Kremlin aims to replenish troop losses by strengthening mobilization measures. This will include recruiting mercenaries and migrants to offset losses on the front line where Russian forces are making slow gains but at a considerable cost in personnel.
What People Are Saying
Mediazona reported: “The Southern District Military Court sentenced corporal Nikita Posmetukhov to life imprisonment.”
What Happens Next
Reports of low morale are likely to continue among Russian soldiers, as will Moscow’s losses in Ukraine. Ukraine has its own mobilization issues and is finalizing recruitment reforms to attract people aged 18 to 25.
It follows calls by the United States for Kyiv to lower its conscription age from 25 and concerns expressed by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, that current drafting measures are not sufficiently manning mechanized brigades.
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