The Russian soldier identified himself as Baliev Shamil Zakirovich, a 35-year-old private from the Republic of Bashkortostan, serving as a grenade launcher in the 4th Motorized Rifle Brigade. Read also: Ukrainian commandos snatch and seize key Russian position in daring heights operation – video Zakirovich said he signed a contract on Nov. 2, 2023 due to financial difficulties and expected a rear deployment. Instead, he was sent to the frontline as “cannon fodder” without receiving the promised payment. He detailed the regular mistreatment of privates, including constant beatings by the comman…