Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has released an intercepted phone call suggesting that Russian commanders are recruiting soldiers to serve in “barrier troops.” These units are reportedly tasked with preventing front-line soldiers from retreating, a practice that is widely condemned under international humanitarian law.
Contents
According to the audio, two Russian soldiers discuss recent attempts by recruiters to find volunteers for these controversial units. The intercepted conversation highlights resistance and strong negative reactions among some Russian troops towards the idea.
What are Barrier Troops?
Barrier troops are units positioned behind front-line forces with the objective of stopping any unauthorized retreat. Historically, this has sometimes involved using threat or lethal force against their own soldiers.
This tactic is considered illegal under international humanitarian law. It is often compared to Soviet tactics used during World War II, specifically Stalin’s Order 227, known as “Not one step back!”, which also involved punishing or shooting retreating troops.
General image illustrating the conflict in Ukraine amid discussions of Russian military strategy
Details from the Intercepted Call
In the intercepted audio published by HUR, one soldier recounts how recruiters approached their unit seeking volunteers for barrier troops. He states that his unit strongly refused the proposal.
The soldier described the reaction within his unit as shocked and questioned the judgment of those recruiting for such roles. The second soldier in the call agreed, expressing extreme disapproval of the recruiters.
The two soldiers continue their conversation by noting that rumors about this recruitment drive are spreading across Russian military positions. The second soldier confirms hearing similar reports, even though recruiters had not yet visited his specific location.
The soldiers in the call also voice strong negative opinions about the commanders allegedly ordering this type of recruitment, suggesting a perceived loss of control.
Context and Analysis from Ukraine
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence has repeatedly claimed that Russia is reviving tactics like barrier troops. They attribute this alleged revival to factors such as growing casualties, collapsing morale, and fear among some Russian forces.
Russia has not issued a public comment regarding the specific allegations of recruiting for or using barrier units.
Ukrainian intelligence agencies frequently release intercepted calls that they claim reveal significant psychological stress, internal conflicts, and a disregard for human life within Russian military ranks. Kyiv Post previously interviewed a Ukrainian intelligence eavesdropper who discussed the content of these intercepts, stating they are authentic despite how extreme they may sound.
Conclusion
The intercepted call released by Ukraine’s HUR provides insight into alleged Russian efforts to recruit for “barrier troops,” units designed to prevent retreats. This controversial tactic, reminiscent of historical commands and potentially constituting a war crime, appears to be a subject of shock and disapproval among some Russian soldiers based on the intercepted audio.
Explore more intercepted conversations published by Kyiv Post:
- ‘Brelok F**king Ate Him’: Intercept Reveals Russian Cannibal Soldier
- ‘They Drive Tanks for Vodka’ – Intercept Reveals Drunk Russian Troops Terrorizing Border Village
- ‘We Already Took His Stuff’: Russian Soldiers Plan to Kill Comrade, Intercept Reveals Brutal Army Reality
- ‘The F**king Guys Are Dying!’ – Intercepted Call Reveals Chaos and Command Breakdown in Russian Army
- ‘Shoot the F**ks, Battalion Commander’s Order’ – Intercept Catches Russians Ordering Fire on Their Own
- Russian Soldier Threatens Deserters With ‘Meat Assault’ Suicide Mission: ‘That’ll Be Fun, Right?’
