The Daily Populous Tuesday March 24th, 2026 evening edition
Authored by united24media.com and submitted by UNITED24Media

A Russian serviceman from the 102nd Motor Rifle Regiment of the 150th Division allegedly transmitted real-time coordinates of his own unit to Ukrainian forces, resulting in significant losses.

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According to Militarnyi on March 24, the soldier—who later gave an interview to Dmytro “Apostle” Karpenko—stated that strikes based on the transmitted data led to up to 150 fatalities and approximately 50 wounded within his unit.

According to the outlet, the individual was a 19-year-old conscript from Novosibirsk who had been drafted despite being enrolled in higher education.

He later signed a contract, reportedly expecting to undergo warrant officer training, but was instead deployed to a combat zone. Initially assigned to the 150th Motor Rifle Division in Novocherkassk, he was later transferred to the 102nd Regiment’s second battalion.

The soldier was assigned as a UAV operator without formal training and operated in the areas of Sofiivka and Volodymyrivka. During this period, he established contact with the Ukrainian “I Want to Live” project and was later directed to communicate with Karpenko as part of an information-sharing initiative.

Over approximately 80 days, he transmitted coordinates of personnel, equipment, and movement routes of Russian units. The data was reportedly shared with a delay of 10 to 15 minutes, enabling Ukrainian forces to strike targets in near real time.

The outlet reports that the transmitted intelligence contributed to the destruction of at least two tanks, damage to multiple rocket launcher systems, and the elimination of several UAV and mortar crews. The cumulative losses linked to these strikes reached up to 150 killed and around 50 wounded.

According to the report, Russian command repeatedly altered movement routes in response to suspected information leaks. However, updated routes were also reportedly targeted, and the source of the breach was not identified.

According to Militarnyi, the soldier continued performing UAV operations during this period, accumulating approximately 1,200 flight hours under challenging conditions, including low temperatures and limited logistical support. He also described the use of “meat assault” tactics within the 150th Division.

Following multiple attempts, the serviceman reportedly crossed into Ukrainian-held territory after traveling approximately 20 kilometers and was subsequently evacuated by Ukrainian forces. He later confirmed his intention to join the Russian Volunteer Corps on Ukraine’s side.

Earlier, a Russian soldier had defected to Ukraine after successfully carrying out an operation codenamed “Ocheret,” which involved the sabotage of a “Storm Z” battalion headquarters.

uusrikas on March 24th, 2026 at 13:25 UTC »

Kinda of a shitty move to show his face. Russia has assassinated defectors like this before, they should keep his identity secret. Remember the guy who defected with a helicopter and was assassinated in the Canaries, they should be rewarded and not have a target put on them.

luisa65-L on March 24th, 2026 at 13:11 UTC »

Modern day fragging. The morale in those units must be absolutely non-existent at this point.

platinumarks on March 24th, 2026 at 12:51 UTC »

With the caveat that I still apply healthy skepticism to any reporting in a war regardless of which side I agree with (and to be clear, I agree with Ukraine, but also acknowledge that propaganda is used by all sides in a war), this was a pretty ballsy thing for this soldier to do. Even if he defected, he's got a target on his back from Russia now.