Captured Russian Major Tells Ukrainian Forces the War's Real Goal Is Occupation

The Story of Major Timur Abdurakhmanov

According to Главком: Major Timur Abdurakhmanov, the former commander of the 'Alga' battalion within Russia's 72nd Separate Motor Rifle Brigade and known by the call sign 'Shaman,' has been held as a prisoner of war by Ukraine for 22 months. He was taken captive on September 12, 2023, by fighters from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Andriivka in the Donetsk region. At the time of his capture, he was serving as the deputy commander of his brigade.

Born in 1990 in Uzbekistan, Abdurakhmanov is an ethnic Muslim of Lezgin heritage. His father held the rank of lieutenant colonel in the signal corps, and his brother serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Russian National Guard. He graduated with honors from the Yekaterinburg Suvorov Military School and the Kazan Higher Tank Command School. Just before his capture, he was being considered for promotion to lieutenant colonel. While in captivity, he reportedly performs the Islamic prayer (namaz) five times a day.

Critique of Military Strategy

Members of Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade have acknowledged Abdurakhmanov's strong military skills. However, the major himself has expressed deep skepticism about the Kremlin's stated war aims, stating:

“The first goal-denazification-was never actually present from the start. There was no reason for us to be here. What actually happened? Nothing-just an occupation.” - Timur Abdurakhmanov

He also condemned Russia's battlefield tactics, particularly the scorched-earth approach, saying:

“We rely on a single tactic that has been perfectly honed since World War II: the scorched-earth tactic.” - Timur Abdurakhmanov

Notably, Abdurakhmanov’s own subordinates refused to evacuate him after he was wounded. He remarked, “They told me, ‘We’re not dragging you. You’re going to die anyway.’”

According to standard military regulations, a battalion’s command observation post should be positioned about 15 kilometers from the front line. This detail highlights the dangers and challenges soldiers face on the battlefield. Abdurakhmanov remains a figure of interest due to his candid statements and personal experience, offering a deeper look into the military strategies and realities of the conflict.

The case of Major Abdurakhmanov and his critical remarks about Russian military strategy underscore the complexity and contradictions of the war in eastern Ukraine. His perspective may provide valuable insight for analyzing the tactics used by both sides, as well as the internal sentiment among Russian troops. Ultimately, this story reflects not only individual fates but also the broader consequences of the war for all involved, which could carry significance for the future.