According to estimates by the British government, Russia has deployed units in the war against Ukraine that are intended to prevent its own soldiers from retreating and deserting. “Because of low morale and fear of combat, Russian forces may have begun deploying ‘barrier troops’ or ‘blocking units,'” a Defense Ministry report said in London. These units threatened to shoot retreating soldiers to force offensives.
Such an approach is also known from earlier conflicts. Russian generals are apparently intent on holding positions to the death, the statement continued. “The tactic of shooting deserters is probably a testament to the poor quality, low morale and poor discipline of the Russian armed forces.”