Captured Russian Soldier Says He Signed War Contract While Completely Drunk on Vodka

A Russian soldier captured in Ukraine has admitted that he enlisted in the army while heavily intoxicated, describing how alcohol played a decisive role in his decision to go to war. His account was published by Euromaidan Press on November 5.

According to the outlet, Mikhail Krasnachokov, a 41-year-old tractor driver from Russia’s Altai region, said he was earning about $495 US per month before being mobilized. He told Ukrainian interrogators that his decision to join the Russian military came after a night of heavy drinking.

“I was at home, drinking vodka, got completely drunk, woke up in the morning, nursed a hangover, and went to the military enlistment office — already totally drunk,” Krasnachokov recounted.

He said he signed the enlistment papers that day and began training almost immediately. His unit, the 5th Motorized Rifle Battalion, was largely made up of “alcoholics and one drug-addict,” according to his statement.

Krasnachokov claimed he regretted his decision as soon as he was deployed to the front lines and described a lack of discipline among his comrades. He alleged that refusal to fight was punished severely, including threats of being shot or forced to carry explosives.

After being wounded by shrapnel, Krasnachokov spent four days hiding in a basement before surrendering to Ukrainian forces. He said Ukrainian soldiers did not beat him but withheld food and cigarettes.

Reflecting on his drunken enlistment, the captive soldier said: “I tell my countrymen: don’t sign a contract. That money isn’t worth your life. They won’t show this on TV.”

Earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian forces captured a group of Russian marines, some of whom said they had been coerced into signing military contracts, including while serving prison terms, before being rushed into combat.

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