During a special operation named "Ocheret," a Russian soldier, code-named "Silver," has defected to Ukraine after destroying the headquarters of the "Storm Z" battalion. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the Freedom of Russia legion and the "I Want to Live" project, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
"Silver," a Russian FPV pilot, contacted the Freedom of Russia legion earlier this year, citing systematic war crimes and other offenses committed by his command, including extrajudicial executions, beatings, and extortion within his unit. His decision to cooperate with Ukraine was driven by these abuses.
In the operation, "Silver" successfully planted grenades in a ventilation shaft of the battalion's headquarters, where around 15 officers, including the commander, were present. The grenades detonated, causing significant damage and casualties among the officers.
After the attack, "Silver" executed a pre-planned escape route and defected to Ukrainian-controlled territory, where he subsequently joined the Freedom of Russia legion.
The I Want to Live programme, initiated by the Coordinating Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War in August 2022, aims to assist Russian soldiers in surrendering voluntarily. This programme supports any Russian military personnel seeking to defect.
