Russia has found that expendable convict soldiers can clear the way for regular troops, but these tactics come at a massive cost.

President Vladimir Putin told Russians in a New Year address that the country would move forward with confidence in 2025, though he offered no specific promises on the economy or the war in Ukraine. At a time when many ordinary people are worried about rising prices and the central bank's 21% interest rate is squeezing businesses and homebuyers,

As of the evening of December 31, 188 combat engagements were reported on the frontlines. The fiercest clashes are occurring in the Pokrovsk direction, with significant enemy activity also noted in the Lyman,

EXCLUSIVE: The soldiers, who are former convicts, surrendered to Ukrainian forces and have revealed the tactics the Kremlin is using on the front line.