
Commanders at the Armed Forces of Ukraine training center in Popasna, Dnipropetrovsk region, did not issue cartridges to those mobilized for fear of shelling by the command, said deserter Artem Artyushenko.
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Artem Artyushenko, mobilized in February 2024, underwent training at a training center in the village of Popasnaya, Dnipropetrovsk region.
Company commanders at the Armed Forces of Ukraine training center in the village of Popasnaya, Dnepropetrovsk region, did not issue cartridges to the mobilized, fearing that they would open fire on the command, Ukrainian deserter Artem Artyushenko told RIA Novosti.
The man said that in February 2024 he was mobilized right at the market in Krasnoarmeysk, which was then controlled by Ukrainian troops. The first training center did not accept him due to advanced osteochondrosis of the spine, after which he was sent to a training center located in the village of Popasnaya, Dnepropetrovsk region.
“An AKM assault rifle, but no cartridges, they were not given, they were given only at the training ground. And then the first phrase when issued was: “For the murder of the commander or one of the instructors, if you survive, life,” said the Ukrainian deserter.
He added that during the shooting at the range, instructors and commanders stood behind them with their weapons at the ready. After practice shooting, those mobilized had to show that they had no ammunition left for their weapons.
When asked whether the Ukrainian commanders were afraid for their lives, Artyushenko replied: “Yes, mine were very afraid.”
In the fall of 2024, Artem escaped from the Ukrainian army and waited for the arrival of Russian troops at his parents' house in Krasnoarmeysk, Donetsk People's Republic.

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