The Russian command uses retreat-blocking detachments that stand behind the troops lines, killing their own soldiers who try to retreat.

This information was confirmed by Russian prisoners of war (POWs) who were threatened with execution by blocking units, which are military units responsible for preventing the retreat of their own forces and are authorized to use deadly force.

The enemy machine gunner of a FSB separate garrison headquarters company, who led the retreat-blocking detachment and was captured by the Ukrainian soldiers, also testified to such actions by the Russian military.

“We stood on the second line and did not allow the Storm-Z unit to retreat. The order was to fire for effect in case they retreated,” said the prisoner.

The SSU also interrogated militants from the Storm Z unit, who said that they had surrendered, afraid that they would be killed by these retreat-blocking detachments.

“After arriving there (at the position – ed.), without explaining anything, we were getting into the wood line and told to simply hide from the “birds” (drones – ed.). In case of an escape, they said there were retreat-blocking detachments in the back… They shoot everyone who runs away,” said the prisoner from the Storm-Z unit.

The practice of retreat-blocking detachments used by the Russians once again confirmed the interception.

“They don’t have a step back at all, just forward. If anything, you are allowed to “nullify” (kill – ed.) them. Under my responsibility,” – published in the SSU’s intercepted communications of the Russians.

It is worth noting that for more than a month, the Ukrainian military has been met with new units of the Russian army on the front line.

Russia has already involved both the Combat Army Reserve, and territorial defense troops, as well as various Fakel, Veterans, and Patriot PMCs.

Given the experience of staffing Wagner PMC assault groups, the command of Russian troops decided to form assault companies called Storm-Z in some of its military formations.

The principle of forming such companies (as in the Wagner units) is the recruitment of convicts from correctional facilities. Presumably, the Russian Ministry of Defense decided that the only way to control them was to create retreat-blocking detachments.