Captured Russian Paratrooper Reveals “Live Meat” Tactics
Captured Russian paratrooper Vladislav Kornil disclosed that his unit was utilized as “live meat” by commanders, including former Wagner Group soldiers who humiliate troops and conduct public executions for disobedience, reports 24brussels.
Kornil shared his testimony in a video released by the Russian Freedom Legion, whose fighters captured a group of Russian paratroopers during operations to clear enemy positions.
During his statement, Kornil stated that he and his unit were sent to storm a wooded area without proper equipment. “There were five of us… sent as live meat to ascertain the positions. I had no body armor, only an automatic rifle — and that was half-broken,” he said.
After enduring artillery fire, he opted to surrender to the Legion fighters, admitting his fear given the Russian military’s threats of torture against soldiers captured by Ukraine. “They said: if you surrender, they will cut off your genitals,” he noted.
However, this did not occur, as Ukraine adheres strictly to the rules regarding treatment of prisoners of war, in contrast to Russia. Kornil expressed gratitude towards the Ukrainian forces for their humane treatment: “You saved my life. You fed me, gave me food, pulled me from the front line, and did not let me die.”
Kornil reported that approximately half of the commanders in his unit are former Wagner operatives, who consider themselves elite and demean conscripts, referring to them as “second-class.” “They claimed to belong to the elite, while we were merely ‘cannon fodder’ that deserved to be mistreated,” he said.
According to Kornil, the Wagner soldiers frequently carried out public executions to instill fear among the troops: “Yes, I witnessed three being killed. To keep everyone silent, one was executed right in front of us. The guy did nothing — he just argued with a commander.”
He also recounted constant threats from the command: “We were told: you will all end up not in prison, but in the ground.”
Kornil added that Russian commanders plan to deploy even the severely ill — including those with HIV, AIDS, or mental disorders — to combat roles.
Previously, Ukrainian Border Guard Service reported that near Pokrovsk, defense forces captured a 61-year-old Russian serviceman. Despite his age and health issues, he was mobilized in May and sent to storm Ukrainian positions.
