Freshly drafted Russian soldier beats unit commander to death

In the Chelyabinsk region of the Russian Federation, a newly-mobilized senior sergeant was arrested after a deadly assault on his captain commander.

The Russian soldier pummeled his chief to death on a train, Radio Liberty reports, according to Ukrinform.

It is noted that in the compartment of the staff car, the detainee, who was under alcohol influence, got into an altercation with his commander, who was also a mobilized serviceman (captain). A fistfight broke out, during which the captain sustained fatal injuries.

A criminal case was initiated against the serviceman under the article on violence against a military superior. As specified, this article was updated on September 24, a few days after Putin announced “partial mobilization” in Russia. The new version provides for a harsher punishment if the crime was committed during the period of mobilization or during wartime, RFE/RL explains. Taking into account the latest amendments, the sergeant may face from 5 to 15 years in prison.

As reported, on September 21, Vladimir Putin announced the start of mobilization for the war against Ukraine. At the moment, recruitment into the army seems to have halted, but the decree on mobilization continues to apply.

The media have repeatedly written about violent incidents involving intoxicated soldiers in military units where Russian conscripts are sent.