Official statements or press releases from Russian governmental bodies

Russian Military Police Brutally Beat Wounded Soldiers of 55th Brigade in Kyzyl, Tuva; Officer Alexander Koshelev Arrested

Jan 20, 2025, 09:03 AM

Russian authorities have launched an investigation following the emergence of video footage showing military police officers brutally beating and torturing wounded soldiers at military unit 55115 in the Republic of Tuva. The soldiers, part of the 55th Motorized Rifle Brigade based in Kyzyl, were reportedly being prepared for redeployment to the front lines in Ukraine. The footage depicts a military police officer, identified with the call sign 'Madman', using a baton and a stun gun on the soldiers, some of whom were seen using crutches or walking sticks due to their injuries. One soldier is reported to have suffered a broken spine from the beatings. The regional government of Tuva has confirmed the start of an investigation into these incidents, identifying the perpetrators and stating that a preliminary investigation is underway. The officer involved, Alexander Koshelev, has been arrested following the leak of the video.