Born in the village of Zaruchie, Vashugin joined the Red Army at 1919 and took part in the Russian Civil War.

[1] Vashugin had reportedly played an active part in the Great Purge, informing on several of his acquaintances and demonstrating "political zeal".

[4][5] After the Soviet invasion of Finland, Vashugin was designated Member of the Military Council in Kiril Meretskov's 7th Army on 9 December 1939 and given the rank of corps commissar.

While the front's chief-of-staff General Maksim Purkayev argued that its forces were unable to attack and should retreat, Vashugin claimed that a passive defense would damage morale.

[14] As the disorganized unit was unable to attack in full strength before the next day, Vashugin instructed its commissar, Nikolai Popel, to take over the available force and head on while Ryabyshev would gather reinforcements.