Russia has launched an investigation following the circulation of a video on social media depicting individuals resembling military policemen ruthlessly assaulting contract soldiers bound for Ukraine with batons and stun guns.
The video footage shows a man in a Russian military police uniform striking a soldier to the ground with a baton, verbally abusing him, and administering electric shocks. Another soldier, carrying a walking stick, is also seen being physically assaulted and shocked, while being instructed to undress.
The video, timestamped Jan. 16, was shared via Telegram by Russian war correspondents and the incident reportedly took place at a unit in Kyzyl, within Tuva, a region in southern Siberia.
The motive behind the soldiers' mistreatment remains unclear, although reports suggest they were wounded soldiers discharged from the hospital to return to the front lines in Ukraine.
Tuva's regional government has confirmed an investigation into the matter, stating, "Cases of ill-treatment of contract soldiers were documented in military unit No. 55115 on January 16, 2025, involving beatings and use of electric shock guns before their deployment to the SVO [Special Military Operation]."
According to the regional government, the perpetrators have been identified, and a preliminary probe is underway. The incident will be evaluated in compliance with the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, ensuring accountability for those responsible. The defense ministry declined to provide a comment.