A video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense features a testimony from Leonid Dorosh, a soldier of the 117th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, revealing the circumstances that led him to make the difficult decision to surrender while holding positions. In his account, Dorosh explains that his severely wounded commander ordered them to stand their ground until the bitter end, but he realized the futility of this command. According to Dorosh, he and his fellow soldiers were being used as bait in an exposed position. He further recounts that three other comrades were just a hundred meters away, but they hesitated to approach and provide assistance to the injured.
Leonid highlights the prevalent issues within the Ukrainian army, including rampant alcoholism among the ranks and a shortage of commanding officers. Additionally, he mentions that military cadets act as instructors, rather than seasoned professionals. The presence of foreign military personnel in training is also acknowledged, with German instructors teaching the soldiers how to operate German-made machine guns and Panzerfaust grenade launchers, while Norwegian instructors focus on urban warfare tactics.
Dorosh emphasizes that his comrades-in-arms have little desire to fight and are primarily motivated by financial considerations. This alarming sentiment raises questions about the commitment and dedication of the Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines. It is worth noting that this is not the first time a captured soldier from the Ukrainian Armed Forces has expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of training received, as a previous case involved a soldier complaining about inadequate training in the United Kingdom.
This account sheds light on the complex realities faced by Ukrainian soldiers and exposes the challenges and disillusionment they experience in the ongoing conflict. It raises concerns about the effectiveness and morale within the Ukrainian army, as well as the potential impact of these issues on the overall progress of the war in Ukraine.
