Battlefield trauma leads to 'Zombie' phenomenon among Russian troops in Ukraine
The protracted conflict in Avdiivka, Donetsk region, has been ongoing for months, with Russian forces doggedly attempting to take over the city despite heavy losses. Hundreds of Vladimir Putin's soldiers have fallen, failing to disrupt the Ukrainian defense and increasingly facing psychological trauma. One soldier in particular drew attention with his lone advance towards enemy lines.
Russian soldiers have been dubbed "Zombies" by Ukrainians - Impaired by drugs, alcohol, or severe trauma, these soldiers boldly advance towards Ukrainian ranks without engaging in combat. Comparable to the ferocity of the conflict in Bachmut a year ago, the relentless skirmishes persist in Avdiivka.
Russian soldiers continue to venture into battlefields, enduring losses in both human life and equipment. The Russian authorities are seemingly driven to achieve some victories before the inevitable lull of winter. However, these incessant "meat grinder" attacks inflict death and severe traumatic injuries, invariably overwhelming the soldiers.
It's hardly surprising that some affected by drug or alcohol abuse are losing their sanity.
This is not hyperbole, as illustrated by the actions of one Vladimir Putin's soldiers on the battlefield. He found himself isolated on the front line, vulnerable to a fatal attack at any minute. He marched forward mechanically, heedless of the obvious dangers including a grenade blast. It seemed as if he was walking in a trance.
These afflicted individuals have dubbed "zombies" by Ukrainians. It is evident they've reached their breaking point.
Sometimes, they'd prefer death over witnessing more warfare and disorder within their ranks. In this ruthless environment, no value is placed on life as commanders send soldiers into deadly situations, often forcing reluctant ones into battle at gunpoint. There are even specially assigned units – reminiscent of World War II - whose grim duty is to execute those who question these carnage-stricken attacks.
As for the lone Russian soldier breaching the front line, his fate remains unknown. He may have been killed by Ukrainian forces, or taken prisoner, which would arguably be the best possible outcome. On the off chance, and albeit hard to believe, his comrades may have rescued him.
Ukrainians posit that he was under the influence of potent narcotics, which explained his unresponsive demeanor and relentless progression. Despite being heavily armed, he showed no inclination to use his weapon. The weight of his gear made his movement laborious, giving him more of a robotic appearance than human.
Increasingly, occupying forces resort to substance abuse. Unable to cope with the traumas of war, the perpetual danger, and the omnipresent specter of death, they increasingly turn to intoxicants as a means of escape, only to meet their ends swiftly on the battlefield. These unpredictable soldiers pose a substantial threat to the ZSU.
With nothing to lose, they fight fiercely without the realization that they could surrender. On some occasions, they commit suicide in trenches, at other times they opt for close combat when their ammunition depletes. They have no escape; knowing that returning to Russia would merely extend their nightmare - a slow death in a haze of substance abuse...
