“Better Prison Than the Russian Army”: One Tortured Soldier’s Escape From an Assault Unit

“Better Prison Than the Russian Army”: One Tortured Soldier’s Escape From an Assault Unit

Mikhail Rodionov claims he joined the Russian army to avoid a prison sentence. He was offered a military contract instead of incarceration and promised service in the rear, digging trenches, and physical labor without taking part in assaults. He believed the recruiters. Because of his health problems, he hoped he would definitely not be sent to the front line. At first, besides digging fortifications, he was also made to carry out far harder and…