russia shooting deserters in russian army – UK intelligence
British intelligence drew attention to the russian practice of using blocking squads to shoot deserters.
This is stated in the intelligence review of the British Ministry of Defense.
"Due to low morale and reluctance to fight, Russian forces have probably started deploying 'barrier troops' or 'blocking units,'" the review says.
These units threaten to shoot their retreating soldiers to force them to advance and have been used by russian forces in previous conflicts.
"Recently, Russian generals likely wanted their commanders to use weapons against deserters, including possibly authorizing shooting to kill such defaulters after a warning had been given. Generals also likely wanted to maintain defensive positions to the death," the review said.
The tactics of shooting deserters, according to British intelligence, show the low quality, low morale, and indiscipline of the russian troops.
