‘Beat Them, Just Not the Legs’: Leaked Intercept Exposes Russia Forcing Foreign Recruits Into Deadly Assaults

Intercept released by Ukraine´s Intelligence suggests Russian commanders threaten and beat foreign recruits to force them into near-suicidal assaults. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Russian soldiers wait for their departure as they stand near a mural depicting Russian servicemen wearing 'Z' symbol armbands, close to the Paveletsky railway terminal, in central Moscow on October 16, 2022. (Photo by Yuri KADOBNOV / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google An intercepted call released by Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) indicates Russian commanders may be coercing newly arrived foreign recruits into high-risk assault operations. According to HUR, the recording captures conversations between Russian commanders discussing how to handle foreign fighters described as unwilling to carry out assigned missions. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . In the call, one voice in Russian instructs a subordinate to prepare for the arrival of foreign personnel. “Silva, you’re the one I need. Look, tomorrow they’ll bring in foreign specialists to you — they’re ready to carry out tasks, but they don’t really want to do it. Will you be able to force them to go?” The response suggests that coercion is expected and normalized. “Well, how, of course we can, damn it. If they signed a contract, of course. I’ll tell them what, I don’t know, beat them, I don’t know. We’ll… I don’t even understand how exactly.” In a separate part of the conversation, the speaker appears to outline methods of enforcing compliance. “You can beat the sh*t out of them, just not the legs — we need the legs. But yeah, you can. We’ll have to force them to go, otherwise we’ll have to go ourselves. And there’s no real desire for that, f**k, so we’ll still have to make them.” Ukrainian intelligence says the exchange reflects a broader pattern of coercion within Russian ranks, extending to foreign nationals recruited to support operations in Ukraine. Physical violence and intimidation remain key tools used by commanders to compel participation in combat missions, particularly among those reluctant to fight. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Asks Turkey to Host Zelensky-Putin Talks Ukraine has asked Turkey to host a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin as Kyiv seeks to revive stalled peace talks, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said. The authenticity of the recording could not be independently verified. Since the start of its full-scale invasion, Russia has sought to supplement its forces with foreign recruits, including individuals from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, often drawn by financial incentives. HUR has warned foreign citizens against traveling to Russia for work or military service, urging those already deployed to seek surrender through official channels such as the “I Want to Live” initiative. Last year Kyiv Post journalist Kateryna Zakharchenko gained exclusive access to one of Ukraine’s largest POW camps and spoke with foreign fighters captured after serving for Russia. In the first interview, Joshua from Ghana explains how studying in Moscow and financial struggles led him to sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense. From the frontline to Ukrainian captivity, he shares his motivation, his dream of becoming President of Ghana, and how he reflects on the war today. In the second interview, Mohammed Salah from Egypt describes how visa problems pushed him to join the Russian army in exchange for citizenship. After months on the frontline and nearly a year in captivity, he opens up about regret, family, and his message to others: “Don’t go to war.” These rare testimonies shed light on why foreign nationals joined Russia’s war, how their perceptions have changed in captivity, and whether they want to return home. In 2023, Kyiv Post interviewed a woman working as a “professional eavesdropper,” listening in on Russian communications intercepted by Ukrainian intelligence. “Maria” – not her real name – said that the “insane” things heard in intercepted calls are, in fact, real despite their often outrageous nature. “They all are real even though they might seem insane. Sometimes I can’t believe the words I’m hearing myself, but we have what we have,” she said. Kyiv Post regularly reports on intercepted Russian communications . Some of the most shocking examples include claims of cannibalism , Russian soldiers driving tanks into the countryside in search of vodka, and the chaotic aftermath of the Russian military’s loss of Starlink access . Kyiv Post regularly reposts some of the most revealing and shocking intercepted conversations: ‘I Had to Take Him Out, It Was One of Ours’: Intercepted Call Exposes Russian Troops Killing Each Other in Frontline Chaos ‘What Do You Mean ‘Refusal’? Move Forward’ – Russian Commanders Force Troops Into ‘Meat-Grinder’ Assaults ‘A Monster, a Fascist’: Intercept Shows Russians Panicking Over Budanov’s Appointment ‘Gas Canisters Not Issued, F**k’: Russian Soldiers Crowdfund for Basics, Die on Supply Runs ‘Three Holes in His Leg and Shrapnel in His Neck’ – Just 2 Russians Survived ‘Meat Assault’ Russian Woman Says: ‘Trump Will Lead the Horned One,’ Jews Will Rule the World ‘Brelok F**king Ate Him’: Intercept Reveals Russian Cannibal Soldier ‘They Drive Tanks for Vodka’ – Intercept Reveals Drunk Russian Troops Terrorizing Border Village ‘We Already Took His Stuff’: Russian Soldiers Plan to Kill Comrade, Intercept Reveals Brutal Army Reality ‘We Need to Take Odesa’ – Russian Woman Cites Fake ‘Biolabs’ to Justify Mykolaiv Attacks Kateryna investigates today's most important topics, from geopolitical challenges and defense strategies to stories that change the course of events. She explores the secrets of Ukraine's intelligence services and shows the hidden side of global events. Her passion is uncovering secrets that change history. Born and lives in Kyiv.