Russian soldiers banned from using stolen electronics due to surveillance fears

Russian commanders are forbidding their soldiers from using stolen equipment, according to the Ukrainian National Resistance Center. The order includes all kinds of electronics, such as mobile phones and tablets. Russians are reportedly afraid of being surveilled by Ukrainians.

The Ukrainian National Resistance Center reports on new orders within the Russian military. According to their information, the decrees forbid soldiers from using equipment—especially electronics—that they steal from the local populace or take from captured Ukrainian trenches.

The Ukrainian National Resistance Center claims the reason is the fear of surveillance by the Ukrainian side. During the war, there have been several instances where Russian war criminals were identified or military positions located precisely because Russians used stolen equipment.

One example is the story of 20-year-old Russian soldier Daniil Frolkin. He was identified thanks to a selfie he left on a phone stolen in Ukraine. During an investigation by the portal slidstvo.info, Frolkin was recognized by one of the residents of the village where he committed crimes.

The Ukrainian National Resistance Center points out that despite fears, commanders do not forbid soldiers from looting. Russians steal not only valuable electronic equipment but also everyday household appliances.

The vast majority of stolen equipment is later sold by Russians at local markets.