Is the Russian military entirely loyal to Putin?

 Loyal enough to be deployed straight into the brutal conflict in Ukraine.

For those who hoped that the occasional cracks in the morale of conscripted soldiers might deepen and lead to a 1917-style mutiny, they were mistaken.

Even when Russian soldiers express frustration, it’s never about the bigger issues—like why they’re in Ukraine in the first place. They seem to have no problem with Putin or his so-called "special military operation."

A Russian armored vehicle that took the wrong turn. (Picture by the author of this post)

What they are unhappy about instead is the lack of food, money, or winter uniforms. Simple problems they won't blame Putin for.

To make them do their job, the Russian Army either provides them with vodka, a good beating, prison time, or, if nothing else helps, a bullet in their head. Problem solved.

So, yes, if 99% of your combat troops are ready to die in human wave attacks without offering more resistance than recording a few whiny TikTok videos, then you have an extremely loyal military.