Russian military officers are requesting to be moved away from the frontline in Ukraine under Vladimir Putin’s command. Instances of disorder and potential mutiny among Russian forces near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region coincide with significant Ukrainian offensives deep inside Russian territory. This development comes as Russia observes Orthodox Christmas Eve. Reports have also emerged about intoxicated commanders in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Putin, who has been notably absent in 2026, is anticipated to attend a midnight church service tonight. However, he is facing challenges following the arrest of his close ally Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela by the US and unrest in Iran, a key supporter of Moscow. Additionally, he has received a New Year’s demand from Donald Trump to halt the violence and criticism from the US over his unsubstantiated claim that Ukraine plotted to kill him at one of his residences.
According to a Russian partisan group supporting Ukraine called ATESH, officers serving on the Pokrovsk front are seeking reassignment to safer areas to avoid potential harm. The dissent appears to be widespread within the 39th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, part of the Eastern Military District’s 68th Army Corps.
Despite Putin’s false assertion last month that Pokrovsk had been “liberated,” ongoing fighting persists in this critical location. ATESH stated that officers are being pressured by threats of disciplinary action, demotions, and career stagnation to maintain a facade of stability that does not reflect the actual situation on the ground.
The officers are reportedly disheartened, unfamiliar with local conditions, and view their deployment on the Pokrovsk front as perilous. They are increasingly requesting transfers to safer zones and are fearful of attacks by anti-tank missiles and guerrilla forces, as well as the risk posed by locals who may be sharing information on their activities with Ukrainian Defense Forces.
In a separate incident, the 74th Motor Rifle Regiment of the Russian Armed Forces in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region is said to be suffering significant losses due to alcohol-influenced decision-making by commanders. Troops have reported receiving orders under severe intoxication, leading to high casualty rates within the unit.
ATESH highlighted that the “alcohol-battalion” is experiencing up to 100 casualties per month, a figure surpassing that of other units, due to erratic commands issued by inebriated leaders. The group emphasized that the fate of the battalion hinges more on the commanders’ alcohol consumption than on strategic tactics or the enemy’s actions.
Putin’s unwavering commitment to the conflict was exemplified by a recent attack on a US-owned vegetable plant in Dnipro, Ukraine. The strike resulted in the spillage of 300 tonnes of vegetable oil on the road. Furthermore, Russia targeted residential areas in Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukrainian strikes on Orthodox Christmas Eve led to casualties, including one fatality and two injuries in Tver due to a drone strike on a residential building. Explosions and fires engulfed the Usman oil facility in Lipetsk following attacks by Volodymyr Zelensky’s forces.
This series of events underscores the escalating tensions and violence in the region.