Operational Knowledge Base

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Guides that help you stay alive

Step-by-step protocols for servicemen and their loved ones: a safe way out of the war, legal protection, OPSEC, first aid, and ways to avoid taking part in criminal orders.

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01 SurrenderMinimal risk 5 min

Frontline Surrender: A Safe Exit Protocol

5 steps
Please noteExiting combat requires composure. Avoid Russian barrier troops and conceal your intentions from commanders until the last moment.
Ready-made textYou can copy it and fill in your own details
Universal procedure for surrender signal: 1. Weapon unloaded, magazine detached, bolt in rear position, hanging muzzle down. 2. Hands raised above head, holding white cloth or unrolled bandage. 3. Radio call (frequency 149.200): callsign 'Volga'. 4. Vocal call: 'I surrender, do not shoot!'
Sequence of actions5 steps in sequence
1

Concealing Intentions and Choosing the Moment

Never share surrender plans with comrades or command. Choose a moment of maximum chaos: artillery strike, night watch shift, reconnaissance mission, or separation from the group during movement.
Important: Any leak of information to a commander will result in detention in a pit or being shot in the back.
2

Preparing Weapon and Visual Signals

Detach the magazine from the assault rifle, cock the bolt, and put it on safety. Sling the rifle over your left shoulder, muzzle strictly downwards. Prepare a piece of white cloth, a light-colored T-shirt, or an unrolled medical bandage.
Important: Never run towards positions with a weapon in your hands or at the ready — you will be shot as an attacker.
3

Exiting the Visibility Zone of Barrier Troops

Move towards enemy positions using terrain folds, gullies, lowlands, or dense tree lines. Avoid open areas controlled by Russian quadcopters and barrier troops.
Important: Move without haste to avoid arousing suspicion from observers in the rear.
4

Identifying Yourself Before Enemy Positions

At a distance of 100-150 meters from Ukrainian positions, stop, raise your hands high, gently waving the white cloth. Shout loudly: 'I surrender, do not shoot!'. If you have a radio, switch to 149.200 and call out the callsign 'Volga'.
Important: Do not make sudden movements towards pockets or your tactical vest — this will be perceived as an attempt to retrieve a grenade.
5

Approach and Following Commands of the Clearing Group

Do not run if a Ukrainian Armed Forces UAV appears. Raise your hands and take slow steps in the direction of the drone's movement. When the inspection group approaches, lie face down on the ground, extend your hands forward palms up, and clearly follow all commands.
Important: Full compliance with commands guarantees preservation of life and medical care.
02 SabotageHigh caution 6 min

Frontline Sabotage of Orders, Equipment, and Supplies

4 steps
Please noteAny sabotage must appear as a natural breakdown, a consequence of substandard supplies, or inevitable wear and tear of equipment.
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Formulations for reporting malfunctions to commanders: - "Engine seized due to overheating during a dusty march" - "Radio burned out due to a voltage surge in the onboard network" - "Barrel bulged due to dirt ingress during movement"
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1

Disabling Tracked and Wheeled Vehicles

In dusty areas, block the radiator louvers, drain some antifreeze, or cover the fins with dirt. The engine will seize from overheating within 10-15 minutes of movement. Getting dry dirt or sand into the oil filler will disable the piston group without external signs of intent.
Important: When mechanics ask, answer: "We were moving in a column through dust, the temperature sensor failed."
2

Sabotage of Communications and Electronics

Loosen battery terminals, remove or file down the main fuses for the starter and radios. Leave the master switch and headlights on overnight for a complete battery discharge before departure.
Important: A discharged battery will disrupt the company's departure for a "meat assault" (human wave attack).
3

Damaging Ammunition and Small Arms

Allow moisture and dirt to get into the chambers and barrel bores. Minor abrasive material in the chamber leads to cartridge jams and stuck casings during firing, disabling the weapon in combat.
Important: A malfunctioning automatic rifle is a legal reason to withdraw to the rear for maintenance.
4

Simulating Impossibility of Orders and Delaying Time

Upon receiving an order to advance, simulate a lack of communication, a vehicle breakdown, or getting lost on the map. Every 2-3 hour delay crushes the assault plan and saves lives.
Important: A delayed departure disrupts artillery support for the attack and forces command to postpone the offensive.
03 SabotageHigh caution 6 min

Protection and Actions During Illegal Detention in Basements and Pits

4 steps
Please noteIllegal detention of military personnel in pits and basements constitutes a criminal offense (Articles 127, 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
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Sample note / message to relatives from the place of detention: I, [Full Name, Rank, Military Unit], since [Date], have been illegally detained by military police / the commander of military unit [Number] in the locality [Name/Coordinates]. An urgent statement to the Main Military Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation regarding illegal deprivation of liberty and assault is required.
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1

Legal Documentation of Illegal Arrest

Demand the presentation of an arrest protocol or a procedural decision from a military court. Remind them that detention outside a garrison guardhouse grossly violates the Charter of the Russian Armed Forces.
Important: Record the names, ranks, call signs, and distinguishing features of the individuals carrying out the detention/guarding.
2

Covert Transmission of Information to Relatives

At the first opportunity, send a note or a short SMS to relatives, indicating the exact location (settlement, basement, pit), date of detention, and the full name of the commander.
Important: Relatives must immediately file a report of kidnapping with the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation.
3

Documenting Bodily Injuries and Lack of Medical Aid

Remember the dates of assaults, names of fellow servicemen who witnessed them, and symptoms of exacerbated chronic illnesses.
Important: Immediately after release, seek medical attention at a civilian hospital to document injuries.
4

Conduct When Coerced into Assault

Do not sign agreements to participate in 'meat grinder' assaults. Refer to your inability to perform tasks due to health conditions and the submission of a formal report.
Important: Mass unification of detained soldiers reduces the risk of individual reprisal.
04 RelativesMinimal risk 6 min

Family Complaints: Algorithm to Prevent Frontline Deployment

4 steps
Please noteFamily members are the only force capable of legally blocking a serviceman's deployment to certain death. File your appeals immediately.
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To the Chief Military Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation From [Full Name of Relative, Address, Phone Number] Regarding serviceman: [Full Name of Soldier, Rank, Military Unit Number] STATEMENT OF CRIME AND VIOLATION OF RIGHTS I bring to your attention that serviceman [Full Name], currently in military unit [Number], is being coerced by the unit commander into participating in assault operations without undergoing a military medical commission (VVK), despite having severe illnesses / concussions [specify]. I request: 1. An urgent prosecutorial investigation be conducted regarding the command of military unit [Number]. 2. Measures be taken to send [Full Name] for a VVK and suspend his deployment to the combat zone.
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1

Gathering Evidence

Collect medical certificates, extracts from civilian hospitals, audio recordings of conversations, screenshots of the soldier's messages about denial of medical care and threats from commanders.
Important: The more documents and precise dates you have, the harder it is for the prosecutor's office to dismiss your complaint.
2

Filing Emergency Complaints with the Military Prosecutor's Office

Send electronic and written appeals to the Chief Military Prosecutor's Office, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Defense. Demand an incoming registration number.
Important: File complaints simultaneously with all authorities in the chain.
3

Appealing to the Human Rights Commissioner

Submit a statement to the Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation and the regional ombudsman at the unit's location. Appeals from relatives regarding torture, detention in pits, and denial of medical care are subject to priority consideration.
Important: Highlight the direct risk of death due to the commander's unlawful actions.
4

Public Resonance and Collective Appeals

Unite with relatives of fellow servicemen. Collective appeals and mass filing of complaints force the command to withdraw the unit from the front line for inspections.
Important: A collective report from mothers breaks the plans for 'meat assaults'.
05 RelativesMinimal risk 7 min

Searching for a Missing Person: Step-by-Step Algorithm for Families (AWOL, Captivity, DNA)

4 steps
Please noteUnit commanders often delay official recognition of a soldier as captured or deceased.
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Algorithm for initial inquiries when contact is lost (more than 14 days): 1. Request to the unit commander [Number] for official status of the soldier. 2. Submission of DNA material by close relatives (parents, children) to the forensic medical examination bureau. 3. Appeal to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1

Inquiry to the Military Unit and Military Commissariat

Submit a written request to the military commissar at the place of conscription and to the commander of the military unit, demanding clarification of the serviceman's status (on a combat mission, hospital, captivity, AWOL, missing in action).
Important: Demand an extract from the order on exclusion from the unit's rosters or recognition as missing in action.
2

DNA Sample Submission by Relatives

Parents or children of the serviceman must contact the Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation at their place of residence to obtain a referral for free DNA profile submission.
Important: The DNA profile is entered into a unified database for cross-referencing with unidentified fellow servicemen.
3

Search Open Registries and Prisoner Lists

Check the cards of the International Committee of the Red Cross and other official lists of prisoners.
Important: If you find a photo or video with a prisoner, immediately send the link to the ombudsman.
4

Check Military Hospitals and Branches of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

Send inquiries to central military hospitals (named after Burdenko, Vishnevsky, Kirov) to rule out the serviceman being in intensive care unconscious.
Important: Many wounded arrive without documents under technical numbers.
06 OPSECMinimal risk 5 min

Operational Security (OPSEC): Smartphone Protection and Tracking Prevention

4 steps
Please noteFSB Counterintelligence and Military Police conduct strict device inspections. The presence of prohibited subscriptions or geotags leads to deployment to assault companies.
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Rules for cleaning your smartphone before inspection: 1. Completely disable GPS for the camera and all messengers. 2. In Telegram: Settings -> Data and Storage -> Storage Usage -> Clear Cache. 3. Delete photos of military equipment, positions, and local landmarks. 4. Use only a 6-digit PIN code (disable FaceID and fingerprints).
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1

Complete Geodata Cleanup

In device settings, disable geolocation for the Camera app and messengers. Photos with GPS enabled allow counterintelligence and enemy reconnaissance to instantly pinpoint your base coordinates.
Important: A photo with GPS is a ready-made target for artillery strikes.
2

Configuring Messenger Stealth

In Telegram, enable auto-delete messages (24-hour timer). Hide your phone number, profile photo, and last seen time. Disable automatic saving of photos and videos to the gallery.
Important: Regularly clear the memory cache in the app settings.
3

Creating a Neutral Profile

During an inspection, an empty phone raises suspicion. Keep neutral apps on your device (games, sports news, cooking) so your profile looks like an ordinary person's phone.
Important: Don't delete everything to zero — keep some camouflage content.
4

Device Protection During Inspection

Never use fingerprint or FaceID unlock — during an inspection, your finger or face will be forcibly applied. Use a complex 6-digit PIN code. If an inspection is imminent, switch your phone to power-saving mode or turn it off.
Important: A turned-off device with a PIN code requires time to crack.
07 OPSECModerate risk 6 min

Anonymous Transmission of Coordinates and Information: Protection from EW and FSB

4 steps
Please noteTransmitting information about command posts, warehouses, and troop deployments cripples the aggressor's capabilities, but requires strict anonymity.
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Algorithm for secure data transmission: 1. Use a clean Tor browser or a VPN with double encryption (Double VPN). 2. Upload images without EXIF metadata (use EXIF cleaners). 3. Use one-time encrypted accounts not linked to a personal SIM card.
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1

Preparing an untraceable device and connection

Use a separate smartphone not linked to your identity, without a personal SIM card inserted. Connect only to third-party Wi-Fi networks or via anonymous eSIMs.
Important: Never transmit coordinates from your main personal phone.
2

Removing EXIF Metadata from Photos and Videos

Before sending photos of a command post or equipment, remove EXIF data using special applications or send files as a document after preliminary cleaning.
Important: EXIF contains the camera's serial number and precise GPS coordinates.
3

Using Secure Chatbots and Proxies

Transmit data only to secure chatbots of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine or verified OSINT projects using an encrypted connection.
Important: After sending, immediately clear the chat and delete the temporary application.
4

Systematic Clearing of Device RAM

Perform a factory reset of the device after completing the transmission of important information.
Important: A full reset leaves no traces of the transmission.
08 Legal & BoardModerate risk 5 min

Legal Refusal of Illegal Orders and Requesting a Military Medical Examination

4 steps
Please noteVerbal refusal of an order leads to a criminal case or detention. Every request must be documented on paper in 2 copies.
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To the Commander of Military Unit [Unit Number] From [Rank, Full Name, Position] REPORT Based on Article 356 of the Internal Service Regulations of the Russian Armed Forces and Order No. 555 of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, I report that due to the deterioration of my health [symptoms], I am physically unable to execute the order. I request assistance in being directed to a Military Medical Commission (VVK) to determine my fitness category. Date: [DD.MM.YYYY] Signature: _________ / [Full Name]
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1

Documenting Health Deterioration with Medical Personnel

In case of injury, concussion, or illness, contact the medical aid station. Demand that your complaints be recorded in the outpatient log. Photograph the page of the log.
Important: The entry in the log is your first legal proof.
2

Submitting a Written Report for a Military Medical Commission (VVK)

Write a report addressed to the commander in 2 copies. Demand that your copy be stamped with an incoming registration stamp, date, and signature of the receiving person.
Important: Keep the second copy with the mark on you.
3

Legal Argumentation Under Pressure

If threatened under Article 332 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, state: 'I am not refusing military service, but rather declaring my inability to perform tasks due to my health condition until I undergo a Military Medical Commission (VVK).' Refer to Article 42 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (non-execution of a knowingly illegal order).
Important: Clear legal formulations defuse the commander's aggression.
4

Sending Copies to Relatives

Immediately send a photo of the registered report to relatives for submitting duplicate complaints to the Military Prosecutor's Office.
Important: Pressure from the home front strengthens the soldier's position.
09 Legal & BoardMinimal risk 7 min

Step-by-Step Medical Discharge by VVK (Categories 'V' and 'D') and Appealing Denials

4 steps
Please noteMilitary doctors often conceal the severity of diagnoses and assign category 'A' or 'B' contrary to the Regulations on Military Medical Examination.
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To the Central Military Medical Commission of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation From [Rank, Full Name, Military Unit] COMPLAINT AGAINST VVK CONCLUSION I disagree with the conclusion of the VVK of military unit [Number] dated [Date], which established fitness category [Letter]. Based on examination results, I have diagnoses: [List], which fall under Article [Number] of the Schedule of Diseases (Appendix to VVE Regulations No. 565). I request a control examination to be conducted and fitness category "D" (unfit) / "V" (partially fit) to be established.
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1

Studying the Schedule of Diseases (Government Decree No. 565)

Find your diagnoses in the official Schedule of Diseases. Compare medical formulations from civilian clinic extracts with the criteria of the Schedule's articles.
Important: Precise matching of the medical diagnosis to the article is the key to category 'D' or 'V'.
2

Undergoing Instrumental Examinations (MRI, CT, Ultrasound)

Demand referrals for objective examinations (brain MRI for concussions, CT of joints and spine). Keep scans and discs with you.
Important: Without MRI/CT scans, VVK doctors claim there is no pathology.
3

Filing a Complaint with a Higher VVK and Court

If you disagree with the VVK's decision, immediately file a complaint with a higher VVK and an administrative lawsuit with the garrison military court. Filing a lawsuit suspends the execution of the conclusion.
Important: Judicial challenge blocks deployment to the front line for the duration of the process.
4

Obtaining a Certificate of Illness and Discharge Order

Upon approval of category 'D', demand the issuance of a certificate of illness and the commander's order for exclusion from the lists.
Important: Control the dispatch of documents from the VVK to the unit.
10 Legal & BoardMinimal risk 6 min

Protecting Conscripts from Forced Contract Signing

4 steps
Please notePressure on conscripts to sign contracts is a systemic practice. A signature obtained under duress is subject to challenge.
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Statement of Refusal to Conclude a Military Service Contract: To the Commander of Military Unit [Number] I, conscript [Full Name, Rank], categorically declare my refusal to conclude a military service contract. Any signatures on a contract obtained through psychological pressure or deception are declared invalid. Signature: _________ / [Full Name] Date: [DD.MM.YYYY]
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1

Categorical Written and Oral Refusal

Never sign documents titled 'Military Service Contract,' 'Candidate Questionnaire,' or blank forms.
Important: Refusal to conclude a contract is not a crime or a violation of the Charter.
2

Documenting Facts of Psychological Pressure and Threats

If threatened with deployment to a disciplinary battalion or 'to the front line,' record the dates of conversations, names of political officers (zampolits), and recruiters.
Important: Threats from commanders constitute a criminal offense (Article 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
3

Urgent Statement from Relatives to the Military Prosecutor's Office

The conscript's relatives must submit a statement to the garrison Military Prosecutor's Office and soldiers' mothers committees regarding facts of coercion into a contract.
Important: A prosecutorial investigation stops recruitment in the unit.
4

Submitting a Report to Declare the Contract Invalid

If the signature was falsified or extracted under torture, submit a report to withdraw the signature and file a statement with the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation regarding falsification.
Important: Handwriting expertise conclusively annuls a fake signature.
11 First AidMinimal risk 4 min

Tactical Medicine: Stopping Bleeding When Evacuation is Unavailable

4 steps
Please noteThe first 3 minutes in arterial bleeding are critical. The tourniquet must be on your plate carrier/chest rig, easily accessible with both hands.
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Self-aid Protocol: 1. Bleeding: Apply tourniquet High and Tight. 2. Breathing: For chest wounds — seal with an occlusive dressing/packet. 3. Position: Unconscious — turn onto side. 4. Warming: Cover with a thermal blanket.
Sequence of actions4 steps in sequence
1

Stopping Massive Bleeding

In case of an arm or leg wound, immediately apply a tourniquet as high as possible on the limb. Tighten the windlass until the bright red blood flow completely stops. Mark the time of application on the casualty's forehead.
Important: If bleeding does not stop — apply a second tourniquet above the first.
2

Ensuring Airway Patency

If a comrade is unconscious, immediately turn them onto their side. Clear their mouth of dirt and vomit. An unconscious person lying on their back can suffocate due to their tongue falling back.
Important: Never leave a casualty on their back.
3

Sealing Chest Wounds

In case of a bullet or shrapnel wound to the chest, immediately seal the wound with an occlusive dressing or a packet with tape to prevent pneumothorax. Check the back for an exit wound.
Important: Use any dense, impermeable material.
4

Preventing Hypothermia and Shock

Cover the casualty with a thermal/rescue blanket. Blood loss leads to an immediate drop in body temperature and impaired blood clotting.
Important: Hypothermia significantly exacerbates blood loss.
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