A Russian soldier has defected to Ukraine after carrying out a sabotage operation against the Russian "Storm Z" battalion headquarters.
The operation, codenamed “Ocheret,” was coordinated with the “I Want to Live” project and the Legion “Freedom of Russia.”
According to The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the soldier is a 24-year-old FPV pilot known by the callsign “Silver.” He initially made contact with the Legion “Freedom of Russia” in the winter of 2024.
His decision to defect was motivated by the systemic crimes committed by the battalion’s command, including extrajudicial executions, beatings, and extortion.
In cooperation with Ukrainian forces, “Silver” provided crucial intelligence on enemy locations, troop strength, and plans.
In May 2024, he executed a plan to sabotage the battalion’s underground headquarters by throwing grenades into a ventilation shaft, where the battalion commander and other officers were sleeping. The explosion caused serious injuries to several officers.
After the sabotage, “Silver” followed a pre-planned escape route and successfully crossed into Ukrainian-controlled territory. He is now undergoing basic training as a recruit in the Legion “Freedom of Russia.”
The “I Want to Live” project, which helps Russian soldiers voluntarily surrender to Ukrainian forces, reports that over 300 successful surrender operations have taken place in nearly two years.
