Donbas Soldiers Describe Coercion and Heavy Losses in Russian Ranks

(KYIV) – Testimonies from soldiers originating in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions describe forced mobilisation, limited training and severe battlefield losses following Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, launched by the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin under claims of protecting local populations.

In interviews published by The Insider, individuals recount how many residents of the Donbas were drawn into the conflict despite not seeking involvement. Several said they did not expect to be sent into combat and were later deployed to frontline positions with minimal preparation.

One interviewee questioned whether Russian actions resembled protection, stating that widespread destruction and casualties were evident. “Everything is destroyed,” he said, describing towns and neighbourhoods left without residents and infrastructure.

Accounts describe early conditions in 2014, when Russian backed formations took control of parts of eastern Ukraine. Residents said employment declined sharply, with state enterprises closing and incomes falling. Some contrasted this with conditions prior to the conflict, when they reported stable work and wages.

Witnesses said that by late 2021, fighting had reduced and ceasefires were more frequent. Many did not expect a major escalation or a campaign framed as liberation. “I didn’t think we were being gathered to go liberate a territory,” one said.

Following mobilisation announcements in February 2022 by the self proclaimed authorities in occupied areas, large numbers of men were called up. Human rights groups cited in the report estimate that up to 140,000 people were mobilised by mid 2022. Several interviewees said they received draft notices shortly before or at the start of the invasion.

Some described coercive recruitment practices. One recalled being detained by armed men and told he would “fix mistakes with blood”. Others said individuals with little or no military experience, including older men and those with health issues, were sent to the front.

Testimonies indicate that units were often poorly equipped and deployed in large scale assaults. One soldier said his unit suffered heavy losses during its first engagement. “We were smashed, wiped out,” he said, adding that only a small number survived.

Interviewees described battlefield conditions marked by extensive destruction and casualties. “Bodies torn apart and scattered across fields,” one said, recalling abandoned settlements and widespread damage.

Some also challenged the justification used by Russian authorities. Several said they had not experienced discrimination against Russian speakers in Ukraine prior to the invasion. “I never heard anything like that,” one stated when asked about claims of persecution.

Others described legal or financial pressures linked to mobilisation. One said he faced allegations of unpaid obligations and was offered relief in exchange for joining the military. According to testimonies, some recruits were promised support roles but were later sent into combat.

Accounts also detail capture by Ukrainian forces. Several interviewees said they were wounded and received first aid after surrender. Some described prolonged detention, stating that prisoner exchanges rarely included individuals from occupied Donbas regions.

“I haven’t seen anyone get exchanged in all the time I’ve been here,” one said, adding that uncertainty over their status remains.

The video and interviews were published by The Insider. Locations include occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.