Russian soldier who surrendered to survive says troops are forced to dig their own graves
A drone operator from a prestigious Russian military unit surrendered to Ukrainian forces in a bid to stay alive. Miroslav Simonov revealed that he endured severe physical and psychological abuse at the hands of his superiors. This mistreatment drove him to defect and seek assistance from those he had once viewed as enemies. He received support from Ukrainian volunteers through the "I Want to Live" project, which ultimately helped him survive.
Miroslav Simonov is 24 years old and originally from Novosibirsk, Russia. He states that he was forced to enlist in the summer of 2024. Once he realized he had no other choice, Miroslav agreed to go to the front lines, specifically to the area where his father was stationed.
"I was taken to the station, where the investigator suggested that I do compulsory military service, hinting that I would be recruited for the war anyway. Voluntarily or not, I chose to go to my father," Miroslav explained.
He recounts that the psychological abuse began during training. On the battlefield, the threats and acts of aggression increased.
“To be humiliated, soldiers are made to dig their own graves, which must be deep, up to their chests. Then, they have to sit in this grave. You're not allowed to sit down; you have to stand. In another practice, soldiers are tied to trees and told to ‘hug’ the tree, remaining like that as punishment for not following orders,” he confessed.
Although Miroslav was a drone operator and did not fight on the front line, the experience left a profound impact on him. He sought help from volunteers in Ukraine and, with their guidance, deserted.
“We need to take off our rose-colored glasses and see what is happening in Ukraine. This bloody, terrible war instigated by Putin has affected every household. Fathers, brothers, and children are suffering and will continue to suffer. The choice is yours; it all depends on you, but this will impact everyone. Don't invade someone else's home with your own rules; first, you need to put your own house in order,” he emphasized.
The “I Want to Live” program, run by the Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War in Ukraine and supported by the main intelligence directorate, offers a hotline and a Telegram channel for Russian soldiers who wish to surrender safely.
