Lost Half His Weight: Russian Soldier Hid in a Barrel for Two Weeks Before Capture

Alexander’s Ordeal: From Poverty to War and a 34-Kilogram Weight Loss

According to Главком: A 20-year-old Russian soldier from the Dolgan ethnic group, named Alexander, was taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces after spending 14 days concealed inside a barrel to evade capture. During that time, his body weight plummeted from 72 kilograms to just 38 kilograms. He served in the 1st Reconnaissance Company of the 5th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, a unit formerly part of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) forces. Originally from Dudinka in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Alexander grew up in an orphanage and worked as a loader before joining the military.

On May 9, 2025, Alexander signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense, turning to military service as a way out of financial hardship. In 2021, he had taken out a loan of 150,000 rubles-a debt that likely pushed him toward enlistment. Shortly after signing up, his company commander, known by the call sign Yurist, collected 2.4 million rubles from Alexander and 16 other new volunteers, allegedly for company needs. In total, the commander amassed around 20 million rubles, spending part of the money on two used Toyota cars and an older Lada Priora.

Harsh Realities and Consequences

Reflecting on his comrades, Alexander recalled:

'We bought a garage with the guys... just to grill shashlik there in the summer.'

Separately, it is worth noting that former battalion commander of the Alga unit of the 72nd Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, Major Timur Abdurakhmanov (call sign Shaman), has already spent 22 months in Ukrainian captivity. He was captured by fighters of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on September 12, 2023, near Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast.

These events highlight the grim reality faced by young soldiers who, in an attempt to resolve their financial struggles, become entangled in the war and lose not only their freedom but also their health. This story illustrates how socioeconomic pressures can drive desperate decisions among youth seeking an escape from dire circumstances. In times of conflict, such cases are becoming increasingly common, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian solutions and support for those caught in these harsh conditions.

Alexander's harrowing experience sheds light on the desperate circumstances that drive young soldiers to enlist. Similar to other captured soldiers, he sought financial relief for personal hardships, as illustrated in another recent case where a soldier revealed his motivation for joining the military was to secure funds for his father's cancer treatment. To learn more about the personal stories behind these enlistments, read further on the motivations behind their decisions.