Russian Soldiers Reportedly Refusing Orders Amid High Casualties in Dnipro

Russian forces continue to push into eastern Ukraine, seeking to solidify their position ahead of potential peace negotiations. However, this strategy appears to be leading to significant troop losses, prompting some soldiers to refuse orders.

Recent reports indicate that Russian troops are attempting to establish a foothold on the western bank of the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine. According to the regional governor of Kherson, Oleksandr Prokudin, ongoing assaults are being launched to secure territorial gains for future negotiations. Prokudin mentioned during a visit to the UK that Russian soldiers are making repeated attempts to cross the river at four different locations, with the goal of claiming the entire Kherson region.

Despite these efforts, Ukrainian intelligence suggests that a Russian deputy commander has instructed troops to carry out river crossings at all costs, even as many soldiers express their unwillingness to participate. Prokudin noted that the casualties among Russian forces are exceedingly high, with many soldiers killed or wounded shortly after attempting to cross.

Evidence from fallen soldiers' documents reveals a mix of inexperienced recruits and seasoned veterans who have been engaged in the conflict for over two years. The challenging conditions of these operations have led to a growing reluctance among troops to follow orders, particularly among units like the 24th and 26th motorized rifle regiments.

Reports from the Ukrainian Telegram channel Atesh indicate that these soldiers are refusing to storm islands in the Kherson region due to the loss of their comrades. Conversations among the troops also suggest discussions about a possible pause in hostilities, further undermining morale.

Many soldiers are aware that risking their lives to capture a few square meters of foreign land seems futile, especially when they could wait for a cessation of fighting. The ongoing conflict has seen significant shifts since Russia's initial invasion in 2022, which resulted in the occupation of large parts of the Kherson region. However, in November of that year, Russian forces were compelled to retreat from the western bank of the Dnipro under intense pressure.

Despite this setback, President Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared the annexation of the entire region. Kherson holds strategic importance due to its location at the Dnipro's mouth, and before the war, it was home to nearly one million residents. Today, approximately 155,000 people remain on the Ukrainian-controlled side.

Ongoing Russian drone and artillery attacks continue to target the region, with Prokudin asserting that Moscow aims to seize as much territory as possible before any peace talks. While Ukraine firmly rejects any territorial concessions, the battlefield dynamics make reclaiming lost land increasingly difficult, particularly as direct discussions between the United States and Russia gain momentum, sidelining Kyiv in the process.

As Russian offensives continue, they focus on four key areas, including the swampy islands of the Dnipro delta, the Antonivka bridges east of Kherson, and villages such as Lwow and Smiivka, located above the demolished Kakhovka dam.