To Avoid Fighting Against Ukraine In War, 27-Year-Old Russian Rapper Kills Himself

Trigger Warning: The following article contains sensitive information that may be traumatising/offensive/disturbing to some readers.

A 27-year-old Russian rapper took his own life to avoid being drafted to fight in President Vladimir Putin's brutal war in Ukraine after tragically declaring he was "not ready to kill."

Recorded a video before killing himself

Ivan Vitalievich Petunin, who performed under the stage name 'walkie', was found dead on Friday after jumping from a high-rise apartment building in the city of Krasnodar, according to Russian-language news outlet 93.ru, which was translated by The Post, reports NY Post.

rapper

The rapper's death has since been confirmed by his girlfriend and his mother. Before killing himself, the musician recorded a video message published on his Telegram channel in which he said that he did not want to kill for any ideals.

Contents of his last video

Petunin, who had previously served in the Russian Army, told his fans: "If you are watching this video, then I am no longer alive. I can't take the sin of murder on my soul and I don't want to. I am not ready to kill for any ideals."

"I choose to remain in history forever. As a man who did not support what was happening I am not ready to take up arms and kill my own kind."

He also appeared to fear that Putin's partial mobilisation could soon turn into a full military draft, amid claims that Moscow is planning to call up 1 million men to salvage the failing invasion.

YT

Notably, he had earlier been treated for mental illness, owing to which he had tried to get a deferment, this time around as well, because of his mental condition, but the request was denied the Russian military.

To avoid being conscripted to fight in the war, Walkie ended his life. His body was found on the connecting Congressnaya Street in Krasnodor city.

Over 1,90,000 Russians fled to avoid being called to fight

The drastic step comes in the backdrop of Russia making it mandatory for all men of military age to fight in the war against Ukraine.

Meanwhile, over 1,90,000 Russian citizens have fled to neighbouring Georgia - which was invaded by Russia in 2008 - Kazakhstan and Finland since Putin announced a partial mobilisation of reservists to bolster his troops in Ukraine.

rapper

In more drastic cases, Russian men have resorted to breaking limbs to avoid being called-up.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.