Because they feel that they share his ego. In sending them to useless death, he shows he's a strong leader – as the soldiers want. They are glad to be part of their Strong Leader's plans. That makes them feel strong.

Remember, the Russia has not started sending conscripts to the front yet. All soldiers are there of their own choice. Mostly for money, but also for their country finally doing what they want it to do: Bruteness.

[–] towerful@programming.dev 6 points 2 days ago (1 children)

27:1 kd would be accused of cheating in video games.

Because this stat isn't really a stat and isn't hyped or published, I'm going by DDG AI assist which suggests US k:d in Iraq is 44:1

The U.S. military suffered approximately 4,492 deaths and around 32,292 wounded during the Iraq War, while estimates suggest around 200,000 Iraqi civilians were killed. This results in a rough kill-to-death ratio of about 44:1, favoring U.S. forces, though this does not account for all combatants and the complexities of the conflict.

Considering that Ukraine isn't killing civilians... Classic AI bullshit uselessness.
If I killed 27 enemy aggressors while defending my country, I would die happy. I don't ever want to be in that position, I don't think anyone should ever be in that position. But that is an achievement, under the circumstances, to be proud of

[–] prettybunnys@piefed.social 5 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

The Iraq war was a very one sided war technologically, the reason it was a slog is because it was an occupation.

During the actual fighting the ratio was even higher

Ukraine turned out to be a near peer to Russia whereas Iraq never was.

[–] DragonTypeWyvern@midwest.social 0 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

The ratio is lower than reported for Iraq.

It turns out the DoD didn't need to report mercenaries the same way it reported US and allied troops so they'd hire cheap mercs from less wealthy nations and then give them missions like convoy duty through contested zones.

Still a casualty for the war, but one the American government felt no shame in sweeping under the rug. It's even worse when you realize it wasn't like they were contracting Phillipino companies or anything, it was American/Allied merc companies specifically recruiting cannon fodder they'd deliberately forget.