Russian military 'actively executing' own soldiers who disobey orders, White House says

WASHINGTON - The White House accused the Russian military of executing its own soldiers who disobey orders - the Biden administration's most alarming example of Moscow showing "no regard for the lives of its soldiers" in the war against Ukraine.

"We have information that the Russian military has been actively executing soldiers who refuse to follow orders," John Kirby, a White House spokesman on national security matters, said Thursday. "We also has information that Russian commanders are threatening to execute entire units who seek to retreat from Ukrainian artillery fire."

As Russia mounts a renewed military offensive in eastern Ukraine, Kirby said Russia appears to be using "human wave tactics" by throwing masses of poorly trained soldiers into the conflict. He said the Russian soldiers lack leadership, proper equipment or adequate resources.

"It is unsurprising that Russian forces are suffering from poor morale given all of these conditions," Kirby said, calling the executions of their own soldiers "reprehensible" and "barbaric."

"I think it's a symptom of how poorly the Russia's military leaders know they're doing," Kirby said.

The White House did not say how far the executions go back or how many soldiers have been killed. The Daily Beast last December reported that Russia killed some of its own soldiers but the White House hadn't previously made the allegation.

President Joe Biden is asking Congress to approve $60 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine in its war with Russia as part of a $106 billion supplemental request that also includes funding for Israel in its war against Hamas.

Ukraine has so far successfully held back Russian tanks that were advancing in the eastern Avdiivka region, Kirby said. Since Oct. 11, Russia has suffered significant losses including at least 125 armored vehicles and more than battalions worth of we expect more Russian attacks to come.

"We expect more Russian attacks to come," Kirby said. "This is a dynamic conflict and we need to remember that Russia still maintain some offensive capability and may be able to achieve some task or gains in the coming months."

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