A report published last month in the Russian Defense Ministry’s official newsletter, Armeisky Sbornik (Army Collection), makes some unusual claims about the special capabilities the Kremlin’s elite soldiers take with them into the fight. While America may tout the extensive training and advanced technology employed by its own elite special operations units, Russia (which struggles with a significantly smaller defense budget) is now claiming the tactical advantage thanks to honing its soldierssuper powers.

The piece, entitled, “Super Soldier for the Wars of the Future,” has since been taken down from the Ministry of Defense website, but a basic translation of the document shows some remarkable claims. Russian troops using “parapsychology” tactics were reportedly able to detect nearby ambushes, burn crystals, eavesdrop on enemy communications and even disrupt them – all using the power of their minds.

With an effort of thought, you can, for example, shoot down computer programs, burn crystals in generators, eavesdrop on a conversation, or break television and radio programs and communications,” the report reads.

“Those capable of metacontact can, for example, conduct nonverbal interrogations. They can see through the captured soldier: who this person is, their strong and weak sides, and whether they’re open to recruitment.”