Putin's Nightmarish Punishment Battalions: Echoes of Stalin's Tactics in Russia's Storm-Z Troopers

Russian President Vladimir Putin has revived the practice of deploying "punishment battalions" reminiscent of Stalin's era, sending penal units known as "Storm-Z" squads to the most dangerous parts of the front in Ukraine. These squads consist of civilian and military offenders and face extreme danger, with commanders viewing their lives as less important than regular troops. The units are allegedly operating under the direct command of the Russian Defense Ministry and are made up of convicts seeking pardons and soldiers punished for disciplinary violations. Troops in these units have complained about lack of supplies and poor treatment, with some refusing to carry out combat missions. The existence of Storm-Z units was revealed in April, although the Russian Defense Ministry has never acknowledged their creation or deployment.