Drone video released by a Russian Airborne unit shows an assault against Ukrainian positions near Bakhmut. Aside from the drones dropping several munitions on Ukrainian positions, a good percentage of the video shows a VDV Paratrooper using a Ukrainian POW as a human shield while he tries to convince the rest of the Ukrainians to surrender.

It's worth noting that the above is an overt war crime under international humanitarian law. The Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, specifically in Article 13, which outlines the protections afforded to prisoners of war is where the laws on this subject can be found, I will leave the exact quote below.

"Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated. Any unlawful act or omission by the Detaining Power causing death or seriously endangering the health of a prisoner of war in its custody is prohibited, and will be regarded as a serious breach of the present Convention. In particular, no prisoner of war may be subjected to physical mutilation or to medical or scientific experiments of any kind which are not justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the prisoner concerned and carried out in his interest."

This section, along with other articles within the Geneva Conventions, establishes the obligation to treat prisoners of war with humanity and prohibits any act that endangers their lives or subjects them to harm. This video shows a clear violation of the 4th Geneva Convention, which Russia is party to. As such, the VDV Soldier in this video should immediately pulled from the front-lines, as should any Non-Commissioned Officers or Officers appointed over him. We know that's likely not going to happen however.

About the Author

Josh Brooks

Josh is an American writer and former USMC machine gunner with eight years of experience in ground combat arms throughout the GWOT. He is currently based in Texas and specializes in combat footage analysis and digital marketing.Follow Josh at OfficialJoshBrooks.com