Russian Soldier: I'm Worried About The Country; It's Just Like Before The Collapse Of The USSR

Among Russian soldiers on the front lines, hatred of the government and disappointment in Putin are growing.

The Russian insider publication "Verstka" reports that among Russian conscripts and experienced contract assault troops on the front lines, despondency, irritation, and hatred toward the authorities are growing. According to the publication’s sources on the front lines, there was not this level of resentment toward the Putin regime even at the beginning of 2026.

According to Russian military personnel, the situation is beginning to resemble that of the USSR before its collapse.

“Generally speaking, the vast majority—to put it very mildly—have become disillusioned with our government and specific individuals. I think you understand who I’m talking about. It’s already hatred, though not yet rage, but that’s where things are headed. Honestly, I’m scared for the country; I foresee very sad times, similar to the collapse of the Soviet Union,” said a Russian conscript.

“All the guys are very tense and irritable. There have been many written refusals to participate in combat missions; they aren’t prosecuted for this, but are sent to other units—precisely where the special forces are stationed,” the conscript explains.

Commentators note that such sentiments are dangerous for the Kremlin precisely because they do not come from the opposition, but from within the army itself. People who have been sent to fight are increasingly seeing not a “great mission,” but exhaustion, pointless missions, a shortage of personnel, and a lack of a clear way out. It’s not a mutiny yet, but it’s no longer the same old obedience.

Russian soldiers claim they’re simply being sent to their deaths:

“They’re hiding everything… Casualties, the wounded, lost territory, destroyed equipment, logistical problems… Basically everything. It’s all a massive lie! They’re just using us as cannon fodder in this bizarre military operation.”

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