Four Russian soldiers have exposed the horror and brutality of conditions on their side of the front lines in Ukraine, with two men telling the BBC they saw soldiers being executed on the spot for refusing orders.
Men give detailed accounts about how they were tortured for refusing to take part in assaults they describe as verging on suicide missions.
For the first time, the BBC believes, Russian soldiers from the front line say on the record how they witnessed commanders ordering executions of their own men.
The Russian government says its armed forces "operate with utmost restraint, as far as possible under the conditions of a high-intensity conflict, treating their personnel with maximum care".
"Information regarding alleged violations and crimes is duly investigated," it added.
"We are unable to independently verify the accuracy or authenticity of the information you have provided," it said.
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