The claim that the Ukrainian Armed Forces operate “barrier units” that shoot deserters is false. One piece of so-called “evidence” widely shared by pro-Kremlin sources features a manipulated photo allegedly showing a Colombian soldier in Ukrainian uniform with a patch identifying him as part of a “barrier unit.” In reality, the image has been digitally altered. The original photo shows a Ukrainian serviceman wearing a patch that reads «За Україну порву» (“Fight for Ukraine”)—with no reference to Colombia, barrier units, or punitive detachments. Both the patch and the soldier’s face were modified to fit a fabricated narrative designed to discredit Ukraine’s military and evoke Soviet-era imagery.
Russian propaganda channels have circulated an edited photo purporting to show a Colombian fighter serving in the Ukrainian army with the supposed role of shooting deserters. The disinformation narrative falsely claims that Ukraine has special units stationed behind the front lines tasked with either forcing retreating soldiers back into combat or executing them.
However, While a person named Fabián Menéndez Barros does appear to exist online, his social media profiles provide no verifiable evidence that he is serving in Ukraine. Moreover, the image used to support this narrative is not authentic. The original photo appeared on the pro-Russian Telegram channel Shepot Fronta on April 10, 2024, depicting a Ukrainian soldier with a patch reading «За Україну порву» (“Fight for Ukraine”). At the time, the post implied the soldier had been killed in action. Ukrainian regional media later identified him as Volodymyr Valeriyovych Tkachenko, who died during a combat mission in the Donetsk region on April 6, 2024. Propagandists manipulated this exact image—adding a Colombian flag patch, altering the face, and replacing the original patch text to fabricate a false story. However, consistent visual elements such as the uniform folds, tree in the background, and netting above the soldier expose the forgery.
The concept of “barrier troops” originates from a grim chapter of Soviet military history. In 1941, the Third Directorate of the USSR People’s Commissariat of Defense ordered the creation of special units tasked with preventing desertion—often by force. These units were authorized to detain, return, or even shoot soldiers labeled as deserters, cowards, or panic-mongers. Today, Russia appears to be reviving this practice in its war against Ukraine. In July 2022, British intelligence publicly reported: “Recently, Russian generals likely wanted their commanders to use weapons against deserters, including possibly authorising shooting to kill such defaulters after a warning had been given. Generals also likely wanted to maintain defensive positions to the death. The tactic of shooting deserters likely attests to the low quality, low morale and indiscipline of Russian forces.”
Reports of Russia reviving Soviet-style “barrier troops” are backed by both intelligence assessments and documented evidence. Intercepted communications between Russian soldiers have revealed direct references to orders from senior command instructing troops to shoot fellow servicemen who refuse to fight. In one such recording, two Russian soldiers discuss an “order from above” to execute those who attempt to retreat or disobey orders.
In addition to audio evidence, visual confirmation has also emerged. In 2023, reconnaissance drone footage captured a group of seven Russian soldiers fleeing toward a wooded area—only to be met by three armed individuals who opened fire on them. The fate of the soldiers in the video remains unknown, but the footage underscores Russia’s use of coercive tactics against its own personnel.
The use of barrier troops in Russia’s war against Ukraine is not only documented—it’s inching toward official endorsement. In a recent proposal before the Russian State Duma, Lieutenant General Viktor Sobolev, a member of the Defense Committee, called for the formal legalization of barrier units. He argued that such measures would help “improve discipline” within the ranks. Though the proposal was not formally adopted, it reflects a broader acceptance of coercive wartime practices within the Russian military structure.
StopFake has previously debunked related disinformation about Colombian volunteers in Ukraine, such as Fake: Two Colombians Fighting in the Ukrainian Military Desert Positions and Fake: Soldier’s Body from International Legion Was Returned to Colombia Without Internal Organs.
