Russian soldier ‘shoots dead 6 comrades including commander as they sleep’ in massacre before fleeing with rifle

Junior Sergeant Yuri Galushko reportedly killed six of his comrades including his senior officer before going on the run

Reports indicate that police are pursuing a Russian soldier for allegedly shooting six of his comrades in eastern Ukraine. Concurrently, a Russian officer is facing trial for the deaths of seven soldiers under his command after he threw a grenade into a room last year.

Since Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there have been consistent reports of low morale among Russian troops. The reasons cited range from discontent with training and equipment to doubts about superiors' leadership.

While convicts have aided Moscow's war efforts and offered freedom in exchange for six months of service, there's a shift away from relying on prisoners from penal colonies.

A 57-year-old junior sergeant identified as Yuri G. is now on the run after the incident on May 4, where he allegedly shot six servicemen in Ukraine's Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). Authorities believe he may possess an AK-12 assault rifle with a silencer and ammunition, prompting a search in Russia's border areas of Rostov, Belgorod, and Voronezh.

He fled with a AK-12 Kalashnikov gas-operated assault rifle

The soldier's escape comes amidst the trial of former acting platoon commander Sergeant Dmitry Lobovikov, accused of killing seven subordinates during New Year celebrations in 2023. Lobovikov reportedly threw a grenade into a room, resulting in fatalities and property damage. He faces multiple charges, including murder and illegal possession of explosives.

Lobovikov's defense claims the incident was accidental, attributing it to a combination of sedatives and alcohol impairing his judgment. These developments reflect ongoing challenges within Russian military ranks amid the conflict in Ukraine.