Horror as Putin soldier wrapped in clingfilm upside down and beaten in shock punishment | World | News
A Russian soldier was allegedly wrapped in clingfilm, suspended upside down from a tree and brutally beaten by his own commander in a disturbing punishment said to expose the savage discipline inside Vladimir Putin’s army. Shocking footage circulating on a Telegram channel appears to show the serviceman hanging by his legs while a superior officer repeatedly punches and slaps him across the face.
The video, which has not been independently verified, is the latest in a series of alleged incidents highlighting the brutal treatment faced by Russian troops accused of desertion, disobedience or failing to carry out orders. According to reports, the soldier had abandoned his position or failed to complete a military task. The commander is then seen striking the man while he swings helplessly from a tree branch. Fellow soldiers can be heard laughing and encouraging the abuse in the background as the serviceman groans in pain.
The footage, revealed by the Daily Mail, has fuelled fresh scrutiny of conditions inside Russia‘s armed forces more than four years after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Military analysts and Ukrainian observers have repeatedly claimed Russian troops are subjected to extreme punishments by their own commanders, including beatings, humiliation and physical torture.
Other videos shared online in recent months have purportedly shown soldiers tied to trees in freezing conditions, threatened with execution and forced to endure degrading punishments after attempting to leave frontline positions.
Last month, another harrowing clip surfaced, showing a near-naked refusenik soldier being made to eat dirt by his commander. The serviceman, who was seen wearing only underpants, was thrown into a pit and appeared to have broken ribs.
“Eat the dirt, you *****! ‘Come on, come on. Since you’re a dog, go on, have a walk, crawl around on all fours,” the commander could be heard shouting as the serviceman complained about his rib pain. “**** your ribs, for ****’s sake! Tomorrow you’ll go on a raid with a pancake [a type of mine], you ****ing *****!”
Reports from independent media and human rights observers have also alleged that violence within Russian units has become increasingly common as the war drags on, with some troops reportedly facing severe reprisals for refusing orders or questioning commanders.
The Kremlin has consistently denied accusations of widespread abuse within its armed forces.
