In a startling revelation, an investigation has uncovered the tragic fate of Russian pensioners volunteering for military service in Ukraine. Since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022, 250 volunteers aged over 60 have lost their lives on the frontlines.
The BBC's Russian service and Mediazona, an independent news outlet, have verified the deaths of more than 70,000 Russian troops in Ukraine. Notably, volunteers constitute a significant portion of these casualties, with 13,781 confirmed deaths - approximately 20% of the total. This figure surpasses even the mortality rate of former prisoners who exchanged their sentences for military service.
The investigation highlights a disturbing trend: the majority of volunteers perishing in combat are between 42 and 50 years old, with the oldest recorded casualty being 71. This phenomenon is not entirely new, as Russia has a history of deploying older soldiers dating back to World War II. However, the current situation is exacerbated by Russia's demographic crisis, which has led to a shortage of young recruits.
One poignant example is Rinat Khusniyarov, a 62-year-old from Ufa, Bashkortostan. Prior to enlisting, Khusniyarov worked two jobs - at a tram depot and a plywood factory - to make ends meet. He signed his military contract in November 2023 but tragically lost his life just three months later, on February 27, 2024. An online obituary described him as a "hardworking, decent man."
The investigation suggests that older men from economically disadvantaged regions are particularly susceptible to recruitment, lured by generous sign-up bonuses that often far exceed average local wages. This is especially concerning given that Russian military pensions are generally low, often below subsistence level.
These volunteers are frequently deployed in high-risk operations, including the notorious "meat grinder" tactics. This strategy, which has historical roots in Soviet military doctrine, involves sending small infantry units in wave attacks against Ukrainian defensive positions, hoping to eventually overwhelm them. Previously manned by former prisoners, these "Storm Z" units now appear to include volunteers, including pensioners.
"Morale within the Russian rank-and-file is especially poor because of these tactics."
The situation has led to severe psychological issues among Russian troops. A document cited by The Guardian reveals that in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces made incursions in August 2024, Russian troops have been in disarray. The report mentions a soldier who took his own life after experiencing prolonged depression due to his service.
In response, Russian military leadership has implemented measures to address the psychological well-being of their forces. Unit commanders have been instructed to identify troops who are "mentally unprepared to fulfil their duties or prone to deviant behavior" and arrange for their reassignment or transfer to medical facilities. Daily political instruction has also been mandated, aiming to maintain and boost morale.
These developments occur against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing military modernization efforts, which began in 2008. Despite increased military spending in recent years, the human cost of the conflict remains staggering, with Ukrainian estimates placing Russian casualties as high as 200,000.
As the war continues, the use of older volunteers in frontline combat raises serious ethical questions and highlights the desperate measures being employed in this prolonged conflict. The tragedy of pensioners dying in a war they were financially incentivized to join serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of this ongoing crisis.