Russian conscript recounts devastating losses, only four of original 35 survive
A Russian soldier mobilized in 2022 says his original unit of 35 men has been reduced to four survivors after four years of fighting in Ukraine.
Maksim, a 38-year-old man from Pihkova who worked as a refrigeration engineer, received a mobilization order in autumn 2022, shortly after his son was born. Promised a three-month leave, he instead underwent two weeks of training before his unit was transported by train to occupied eastern Ukraine, contrary to assurances that mobilized men would only perform defensive duties. The group first operated in Kreminna, digging makeshift positions with minimal supplies, before being redeployed to the Bahmut area where they faced intense combat and frequent drone attacks.
Maksim was injured by an exploding FPV drone, losing hearing in one ear and sight in one eye, but remains in the army without a timeline for discharge. He reports that the majority of his original comrades have either been killed or medically discharged. The piece also mentions Temiržan Bajanov, another 2022 draftee who served in medical roles near Bahmut, later escaped, was recaptured, and ultimately fled to Spain to apply for asylum.
