What Donald Trump may say and no matter how propaganda tries to portray “successes,” the reality is different: Russia will not defeat Ukraine, because the system of power itself is rotten from within—corruption, cynicism, and the pursuit of personal enrichment define it. In the vertical built by Vladimir Putin, no one thinks about the common good—only about personal gain, safety, and comfort, as well as the elimination of opponents. The state, the army, and human lives have been turned into expendable resources.
The story of junior sergeant Denis Kolesnikov is direct evidence. According to him, commanders live in luxury housing with swimming pools far from the front, while soldiers are forced to pool money to buy them expensive cars—from Mazda CX-9 to Nissan Pathfinder—which are registered as personal property. Maintenance is also paid for by the personnel. Moreover, there are regular cash transfers to the wife of one of the commanders. This is not an exception—it is a system in which war has become a business and soldiers a source of income. Those who, for one reason or another, do not participate in these schemes risk becoming “undesirable.”
Such an army cannot win. Commanders who are supposed to lead troops are focused on enrichment and eliminating those deemed undesirable; a system meant to defend the country exploits its own people. Mutual cover-up, corruption, and impunity have become the norm in both civilian authority and the military. This model has already led to the degradation of Russia as a state and will inevitably lead to failure in war.
You cannot build strength on lies and corruption. A regime that only knows how to exploit, repress, and deceive cannot develop or win. Everything it touches turns into ruin and deadlock.
Below is one example of news that directly supports this conclusion. And it is far from an isolated case.
“I hope we will serve in a normal army, not line our commanders’ pockets.”
Junior sergeant Denis Vyacheslavovich Kolesnikov, a serviceman of a separate assault unit of the 1435th motorized rifle regiment (military unit 95375) of the 27th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, reported new details about extortion and abuse schemes by commanders in his unit.
He claims to possess video materials showing the luxurious lifestyle of commanders living far from the front line in elite housing with swimming pools. According to him, the cost of renting such housing amounts to 300,000–350,000 rubles per month.
Kolesnikov also stated that servicemen regularly collect money to purchase expensive cars for commanders, including Mazda CX-9 and Nissan Pathfinder. According to him, these vehicles, as well as Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi L200, Volkswagen Golf, and Niva, were registered as personal property rather than assigned to the unit. Maintenance costs are also covered by the personnel.
He also reported regular transfers of cash to the wife of one of the commanders:
“I have acquaintances in my unit who sent me voice messages. When a group went to the city of Yekaterinburg, they delivered cash to his wife. There is confirmation of this as well.”
Kolesnikov stated that he is ready to cooperate with the Investigative Committee, the FSB, and other authorities, provided that security guarantees are ensured.
Source: Telegram channel “Don’t Expect Good News”
https://t.me/ne_zhdi_novosti/5105