Analysts point to a deep-rooted culture of hazing, known as "dedovshchina," which they say mirrors broader violence and class tensions in society. Experts note many recruits come from poor, rural or marginalised backgrounds and argue coercive recruitment feeds the problem.
Reports tied to the same forces allege extreme punishments, wounded soldiers sent back into combat, and even officers exploiting troops for money or punishment. A U.S. security source called the abuse a sign of institutional weakness, and cited casualty estimates that underscore the toll on Russian forces.