Young Russian soldier's dreams shattered by harsh war reality
Anatoliy Gorbachov signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense just one day after turning 18. He had ambitious plans, dreaming of earning millions and moving to St. Petersburg. However, he quickly faced the harsh realities of war, which proved too demanding for him. He died less than a month into his service.
7:39 AM EDT, October 26, 2024
Anatoliy Gorbachov, from Ryazan, located about 125 miles from Moscow, documented his experiences on Telegram from arriving in the Russian capital. According to the "Belsat" station, the boy, who had just turned 18, signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense. He was in great spirits.
The recordings show him joking during drug tests, bragging about free food, and forming new friendships. A few hours later, his initial enthusiasm begins to wane. Frustration sets in. He starts feeling "hatred" towards his future colleagues, noting they drink alcohol excessively.
On August 27, Anatoliy finds his name on the list of soldiers being sent to the front, which initially makes him happy. However, as the reality of the situation begins to sink in, he realizes there's no escape from his impending fate.
According to "Belsat," in the recordings, Anatoliy repeatedly expressed hatred towards Ukrainians, using derogatory terms.
The Russian wanted to earn millions. "A man will die faster"
Anatoliy planned to move to St. Petersburg after returning from the war, saying, "I'll earn seven million in a year and that's it." Unfortunately, he did not realize these plans. A week before his death, as a soldier operating anti-tank grenade launchers, he was dispatched to a combat zone in a military truck.
According to Belsat, the first complaints emerged about delays in the payment promised in the contract. "They promised to transfer the first 400,000 rubles (about $4,100) within 14 days, but so far, nothing. A man will die faster than see the money," he complained.
On September 12, he recorded a video stating that out of the 120 people in his unit, only 12 survived. As reported by "Belsat," the 18-year-old died two days later, on September 14.
His girlfriend reported that Anatoliy stepped on a mine and sustained severe wounds, which led to his death. The information about his death was announced a week later. On September 27, he was buried in Ryazan.
