Claims that Ukrainian soldiers were given 'deserter' status before attack

RIA Novosti reported, citing Russian security sources, that soldiers belonging to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) were downgraded to 'deserter' (AWOL) status before being sent into attack. It is claimed that the purpose of this practice is to avoid paying compensation and funeral expenses to their families in the event of the soldiers' deaths.

The source cited the example of Vitaliy Kaçanov, who had been serving in the AFU since the beginning of the special operation. It was stated that following Kaçanov's death, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense refused to pay compensation and funeral expenses due to the man's 'deserter' status.

Previously, Commander of the 'Akhmat' Special Forces, Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov, had also explained that the reason for Kiev's silence regarding AFU losses was its desire not to pay compensation to families.