The former commander of the Russian Army’s 144th Motorized Rifle Guards Division, Aleksiy Zhiliev, was admitted to a French hospital in severe condition after fleeing Russia, officials say.
Hospital Admission Details
According to reports, the ex‑Russian officer was taken to a French hospital following his escape from the 144th Guards Motorized Rifle Division. He arrived in a critical state, according to sources.
Medical Assessment
Medical staff confirmed that Zhiliev has suffered memory loss and is unable to walk independently. Poisoning has been ruled out, but the exact cause of his condition remains unknown.
Background of the Defecting Officer
Zhiliev joined the Russian Armed Forces as a medic in November 2023, believing he could help soldiers on the front. Less than a year later, he deserted the military.
Motivations for Defection
The officer described his work as “meaningless” and cited personal doubts about the war, prompting him to leave Russia in August 2024.
Information Leak to Media
Since fleeing, Zhiliev reportedly handed over a database from the Military Medical Headquarters containing medical records of 166,000 troops treated in Russia and occupied Crimea from January 2022 to June 2024. Radio Swoboda journalists verified the authenticity of the database.
