Systemic Violence and Coercion in Russian Military Operations

Key Quotes

"The Times has gotten access to more than 6,000 confidential complaints filed by Russian soldiers and their families. They're treating us like dogs. They held me in a pit for a week and a half."

This quote highlights the extensive access The Times has gained to internal complaints from Russian soldiers and their families. Tracy Mumford uses these direct accounts to illustrate the severe mistreatment and inhumane conditions these soldiers allegedly endure. The phrase "treating us like dogs" conveys a powerful sense of dehumanization.

"Among the thousands of documents, the most disturbing allegations were complaints that mentioned 'obnuleniye,' which is a practice in the Russian military that is common enough to have its own name. And it's a term for a commander killing his own soldiers, whether executing them directly on the battlefield or sending them into battle into a place he knows they won't return."

Tracy Mumford explains that "obnuleniye" is a specific, named practice within the Russian military. This practice involves commanders killing their own soldiers, either through direct execution or by deliberately sending them into unsurvivable situations. Mumford points out that this term's existence signifies the commonality and systemic nature of such violence.

"When you're reading all of the complaints, I think you get a sense that the violence within the system and the fear that Russian soldiers have is a feature, not a bug. It's how Vladimir Putin keeps his soldiers on the attacking Ukraine."

Tracy Mumford interprets the collected complaints to suggest that the violence and fear experienced by Russian soldiers are not accidental. She argues that these elements are intentionally designed ("a feature, not a bug") as a method of control. Mumford concludes that this systemic brutality is a key tactic employed by Vladimir Putin to maintain his forces' offensive actions in Ukraine.

"Now, sources tell The Times, it's reviewing 5.2 million pages of documents. The DOJ is trying to enlist about 400 of its lawyers to comb through the files and redact any details about victims or other sensitive information."

Tracy Mumford reports on the scale of the Justice Department's review of Epstein-related documents. She states that sources indicate the DOJ is now examining 5.2 million pages. Mumford explains that to manage this volume, the department is mobilizing approximately 400 lawyers to meticulously review and redact sensitive information, particularly concerning victims.

"While none of the centers in the video have been accused of fraud by authorities, it sparked a new wave of calls by conservatives for a crackdown in the state."

Tracy Mumford clarifies the context surrounding allegations of fraud in Minnesota's childcare programs. She notes that the viral video that prompted a funding freeze did not accuse any specific centers of fraud. Mumford points out that this event, however, has intensified calls from conservative groups for stricter measures within the state's childcare system.

"In Gaza, as of tomorrow, more than three dozen humanitarian groups will have their authorization to operate in the territory suspended, after the Israeli government said they did not comply with new registration rules."

Tracy Mumford reports on the impending suspension of humanitarian groups in Gaza. She states that over three dozen organizations will lose their operating authorization due to new Israeli government registration rules. Mumford explains that Israel claims these rules are for security, aimed at identifying militants, while the affected groups argue they endanger their staff.