"Putin Orders Drunk Soldiers to be Kept in Holes in the Ground as Punishment: UK Ministry of Defence

In a controversial move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered that drunk soldiers be kept in holes in the ground as punishment. The punishment, known as 'Zindans', is said to consist of improvised cells that are essentially holes in the ground covered with a metal grille.

According to the UK's Ministry of Defence, Russian commanders have "likely" started implementing this harsher punishment regime for soldiers who engage in behaviors such as drunkenness or attempting to terminate their contracts.

There have been no official statements from the Russian government or military on this matter, but the reports have raised questions about the treatment of soldiers in the Russian military and the effectiveness of such punishment regimes in maintaining discipline.