Russian contract soldier turned POW on his capture near Kursk

[@kyivindependent]

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[@kennethcatlett8347]

M m m ¹¹q😊

[@ajvandelay8318]

FUCK YOU FUCK YOUR CHANNEL SLAVA ROSSIYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ajvandelay8318]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIa3dod-js6dmsk

[@tjthrillajaw]

How is it independent when all your financing is western? 😅

[@Matt-yw9sw]

Nice propagand video ...the Ukrainians even broke his nose so he speaks directly against his own country

[@williamlloyd3769]

Middle-aged, not in shape, not in good health, two weeks of training of sorts, dropped off in an active warzone, lack of leadership, water for two days, abandoned by chain of command. At least made it out alive.

[@daviddunsby3617]

Still he wanted to kill Ukrainians and loot property for money.

[@plurplursen7172]

"you are only going to be a driver" and then this..

[@Calligraphybooster]

If he (and others) don’t trust their government or any government, they’d better go all the way: not trust them about payments, save jobs, destinations and what have you. It’s plain stupid to believe what sounds good for you.

[@TopLob]

I don't even get the point of a 2 week training where they get worn out right before getting sent into the field. It's not doing them any good either way. Sure, maybe a two week crash course of how things work, but if they don't have physical fitness before that, they're not going to gain it in two weeks. Might as well keep them well-rested. I mean, it makes no sense even from a purely practical standpoint.

[@SomeRandomGuy121]

Smells like theyre just throwing people away..

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Excellent interview. This guy seems to still have the ability to think rationally and to have had a wake up call to what he's been ignoring for years. Thank you for using subtitles and NOT dubbing him.

[@carolhartley5982]

Better sub-titles than on many other sites. Clearly, some translation AI's are better at English spelling than others.

[@benjurqunov]

How does this guy's capture create special homosexual rights ?

[@nikiTricoteuse]

@@benjurqunov What ARE you talking about?

[@deborahwalker7406]

@@nikiTricoteuse 1/3 of Americans are not capable of comprehension or connecting dots.

[@chrisBecker-o1w]

Wow, that was dark. He seems like a smart but broken man, like many Russians I guess. At least he seemed to be honest.

[@andymaciver1760]

I think he developed a strong belief that he should fight against Ukraine. I feel like he said he only voted once and it was for putin. Then, he joins the army...I think he wanted to fight but found out it wasn't all glory. Just my thoughts though.

[@chrisBecker-o1w]

​@@andymaciver1760 Interesting, yeah very well could be Andy. 👍

[@chriswho12345]

i saw he was alone when he didn't trust russia, he didn't trust ukraine, he didn't trust abroad, and said there was no consensus

[@chrisBecker-o1w]

@@chriswho12345 Yeah its all messed up the way Russian State TV shift facts day to day sometimes, week to week at least dropping multiple contradictory facts and narratives so the Russian logic is like, I don't trust my own country News why would I trust Europe or America's, or in this case Ukraines.

[@mabelregimal5407]

No knowledge of possible ways to live his life he's probably better off to stay where he is, at least he has a place to sleep and is being fed not just left out in the woods with only water. It's very sad to see a man so broken.

[@bruce8554]

I appreciate the compassion and the sensitively-worded questions. Undoubtedly you have shown the reality here.

[@thomasesau2376]

This man is stunningly articulate. He is totally defeated, and yet is so representive of Russian serfdom. This interview is a historical masterpiece. Thank you.

[@lottielane2486]

Yes, going back hundreds of years, . No wonder there was a Revolution. Pity the country didn't learn from it. 😮

[@Kerorhavbc777]

Did you see ukrnaian POWs? u didnt mr serf

[@Nisenziart]

@@Kerorhavbc777 why

[@f0xygem]

I think he was suffering from depression before he signed up. In fact, that may have factored into his decision to sign a contract.

[@f0xygem]

​@@Kerorhavbc777 I sincerely doubt that Ukrainian POWs could give an honest interview without being beaten to a pulp. This man was treated with respect; This interview was in full accordance with the Geneva Convention. And it is living proof, that you get more flies with honey than with vinegar.

[@louisavonweiler6594]

Very, very respectfully carried out interview. A dreadful, devastating story exposed with neutrality, compassion and humanity. If only all newsworthy interviews were like this. Also, thank you for subtitles, leaving the original sound of the voices. Very important for such a solemn, gave conversation. Thank you for bringing this, like this 😔

[@DominikGentener]

Thank you very much for this interview. Amazing journalism like always.

[@U.H8]

🚜💙💙💙💙💛💛💛💛

[@GnosticAtheist]

Painful. And 100% correct. Unless you specialize gear to a persons size/frame, a 50 kg dude cant run around with full gear. Assault soldier with poor health and 50 kg weight clearly means he was going to be meat. Russian command lost its mind a good while back.

[@srccde]

A couple of centuries back, actually.

[@RobMedvedev]

Full gear !? You must be talking about another country than russia ! They are lucky to have trousers 👖, a gun jacket and a couple of clips

[@FirstNameLastName-hahaha]

He says he doesn't believe propaganda from either side, but he was willing to take them at their word and chance his arm with a driving job .. so sad it didn't turn out well for him

[@Frank-Thoresen]

​@@FirstNameLastName-hahahaIt turned quite well for him. Survived the Russian army, survived a Ukrainian granade and now recovering in a Ukrainian POW camp and not really willing to return to Russia as he is afraid to be sent back to the front line. I think he spoke freely about his life story and the war.

[@alalmquist9423]

So I guess your saying that command had a mind at one time?

[@bobjohnbowles]

This just convinces me even more Russia is a basket case. And Putin is the maniac running the asylum.

[@ManwithNoName-t1o]

Russia has no clue what they are doing

[@miriam2909]

@@ManwithNoName-t1osounds like they’re just throwing old men and criminals at the front line. Trouble is, Russia might have plenty of them to spare and not even care. At least this guy got his first payment. Sounds like he’ll be better off as a POW than sent back.

[@clt5991]

There’s a lot of corruption with the ruling white Slavs, something like 100 different regions of different peoples, and a mafia-like dictatorship headed by Putin.

[@lilacscentedfushias1852]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 one of my 🇺🇦cousins is in the AFU, he’s told me all sorts about how rz treats its people especially men like him. They just didn’t care, they’ve found injured people who would live with treatment just left for days, no food, water, blankets or weapons, just left to d**. Then they treat their wounds, feed them and give them drinks. They’re all recorded as captured not surrendered because when they go back rz is extremely likely to do something to them for surrendering 🇺🇦💙💛

[@alalmquist9423]

I'm just curious are we suppose to feel sorry for these idiots?

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

I am grateful to Mr Chugaevsky for accepting to share himself like that. Humans make mistakes, and should answer for their mistakes. And once they have done so, they deserve to find their peace. War is such an ungodly mess.

[@vmhutch]

This guy is a very clear thinker. I think he sees the world for what it is. I think he sees the tragedy. I think he still holds his country in his heart. His fear of a military life, at his age, is trumped by his fear of Russia returning to the 1990s. His casual stoicism echoes through the centuries. He could be any tired warrior from any war. But I sure hope, with all my heart, that his side loses.

[@stupidwooful]

He's a contract soldier. He did it for the money. He literally says that. It's Russian propaganda that they care about their country or their 'brothers'. That's the same thing they call Ukrainians while calling them slurs or khokhols. Russia only cares about what they perceive they own or belongs to them. Almost the same ownership when you hear stories about plantation owners calling their slaves akin to family. But hey, enjoy your made up narrative.

[@OffendingTheOffendable]

Probably sober for first time

[@xenabe4437]

Yes. I occasionally feel bad for these poor tired men that the orc government has lied to, manipulated and sent on meat waves. But the Ukrainians have to win. If they lose, Putin will go on land grab after land grab, and eventually try for Alaska. And did you see? The Orcs are saying that the war will be over in November. That says to me that they're going to rig the US elections again, like they did in 2016 when It was close enough for Trump to bribe the electoral college and steal Hillary's win. Or like they did in 2020, when Biden won by such a landslide that the orcs' election tampering failed. I'm pretty sure that's why the MAGA dorks threw their little fit. But yeah, it's difficult to have any sympathy for these dupes when you see the Ukrainian kids on their way to kindergarten for the first time, arriving at the burnt out smoke hole that used to be a school. Or when you see the babies from the Kyiv hospital that was bombed in July.

[@nikolaucznaum4312]

@@OffendingTheOffendable Stump!!....

[@DARDA360]

He didn't believe Russian propaganda, he didn't believe Ukrainians either. But he decided that would be able to 'play his own game' in between the two colliding icebergs. Somehow, I do not believe this clear thinker. And he didn't explain why he was working unofficially. He had served a term for a hard crime. That also explains his narco weight and lack of military service in his past.

[@iamric23]

The male interviewer was highly efficient in getting truthful answers from this man. Does not sound good for russia.

[@misterx-gy3fg]

Would they post an interview that did sound good for Russia?

[@iamric23]

@misterx-gy3fg why are you so negative, ask your doctor next visit.

[@Bob-nd2mr]

@@misterx-gy3fg ...the Russian POW's are completly diffrent from the Ukrainian POW's....the contrast is stark and it will be just as obvious as the war progresses. The obvious thing is to go to "canada" ...is what the German POW's said about surrendering to the Allies in WW2...same sht different day.

[@misterx-gy3fg]

@@Bob-nd2mr You completely missed the point of my comment. I was poking fun at the OP's childlike naivete with regard to media.

[@barl6412]

@@misterx-gy3fgthat’s entirely irrelevant to this interview.

[@natalieturko4808]

Those in outlying villages live in abject poverty, so it is very easy to entice them with money.

[@capnfrankly]

..........and deny them the truth, playing on historical fantasies and patriotism !

[@mathewgrelr7084]

How much money was he talking about in us dollars

[@breakbollocks9164]

@@capnfrankly - Sounds like what happens in the USA.

[@natalieturko4808]

@@breakbollocks9164 Brutal autocracies, kleptocracies, and dictatorships are NOTHING like life in a democracy.

[@MayYourGodGoWithYou]

@@natalieturko4808 US isn't a democracy, they are a failed or failing [depending on the article] democracy

[@zerotonic2659]

I feel sorry for this man. I don't find him unsympathetic with his honest eyes full of sadness. Hopefully he won't get in trouble for this interview when he's back in Putin's Russia at some point in the future. I feel even more sorry for the Ukrainians, who have had to endure the horrors that Putin has brought upon their country since 2014 and especially since February 2022. Stay strong Ukraine!

[@Kas-d5b]

Not me. He feels sorry enough for himself, not for his role in a genocide that's caused immense suffering and death. He's sorry he didn't get the money and he's happy to be housed and fed by Ukraine and not have to fight like they do

[@Kas-d5b]

the latest genocide of Ukrainians that your kids will be reading in the history books. Russians will always be looked on as the Nazis

[@ColleenC-n5v]

Very sad and moving.This man has been so demoralized by his experience-no way out, no way in - no win -spirit-broke and sordidly trapped like a zoo animal. 🌻💜🌻💜🌻

[@mountainmoments]

with his experience you mean his whole life in russia? he never, likely, experienced anything else that what he described here.i suggest you get into contact withn more russians to understand them better.

[@henriikkak2091]

Which should explain why Russia's free and democratic neighbors reject the Kremlin overlords. Russia brings nothing of value to the people that live under its yoke.

[@ingemarsjoo4542]

@@mountainmoments Even today, after two and a half year of war and with a crumbling national economy, there are russians who live a good life. VERY good lives, in some cases. But there are also russians whos whole life have been sh-t, almost from the start. To "understand" the russians maybe depends on which kind of russians you speak with. It´s the same in the US and many other countries for that matter, if you speak with a millionaire or a homeless, sleeping in the streets. This guy in the interwiew apparantly didn´t manage to be a rubel millionaire. He just survived, from day to day.

[@klee88029]

COLLEEN, Yes, He is one of the most depressed persons I have ever seen in a video. I hope that some kind of hope comes to him and his comrades someday. Everyone deserves at least a little bit of that in their existence. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦. 1952 Boomer🧓+🦮🐕🐩🐶🐕‍🦺Retired nurse living contently on 20 acres in the NW Chihuahuan Desert area in the USA 🙏💙🌊🇺🇸2024

[@SaneReason4All]

War is Hell! 💀🥵

[@godwrote01]

this guy was smarter then the average "i am not into politics" Russian

[@iam5085]

Thinking the same, former teacher?

[@plurplursen7172]

Listen to Russian media or Science, hmm

[@eTraxx]

Guy is about the smartest Russian POW I have seen

[@gramateur5776]

than*

[@harshbutfair8993]

I don't get this comment or the guys who liked it. Guy is pretty dull, I don't think he's either a particularly nice or horrible guy, just not the brightest, but bright enough to realise how da f#£_ my life came to this. His reasons for voting Putin, and voting for the first time confirm he's pretty dumb. I stopped watching at that point, as didn't really detect there's anything new to be learned here. Basically, a guy hard up for money, gets desperate, so signs a contract, chooses to believe what deep down he probably knows is BS, that he'll be a driver, he doesn't really care or think too much about the rights or wrongs of the war. He's still sheep enough to go along with Putin is our guy. Yeah, for sure there are even more dumb interviewees, and it's the first one I've seen in a while. There used to be the occasional interesting one on Volodymyr Zolkin's channel, but unfortunately that became unwatchable for me once they started dubbing the dialogue.

[@landersen8173]

Their indifference is fascinating and frustrating.

[@golokavrndavana]

Не всі вони завжди такі.

[@golokavrndavana]

Але це пов’язано з мотивацією. Існують великі відмінності між системою цінностей.

[@DarkCriimes]

@@golokavrndavanait boils down to poverty and the need for a better life. Putin has created this disparity between the elites and everyday russians.

[@Chrachrach]

​@@DarkCriimesMy Ukranian grandparents lived in a village and worked from sunrise till dawn for their daily bread. They worked for the Soviet collective farm almost for free. The Soviets taxed them for each apple tree and "nationalized" their horse and grain they stored for food and seeds for the next year. God saved them from death. They never showed any hatred towards Russians, never said a bad word about it. Poverty doesn't make a person a criminal or a murderer. This person isn't kind, he killed Ukranian people. Now he is just scared, which doesn't mean he reoented.

[@zhukie]

Its called "learned helplessness" in psychology. Learned helplessness was first described by the American psychologist Martin Seligman. He exposed two groups of dogs to electric shocks. Dogs in the first group could stop the shocks by pressing a panel with their nose; the second group had no control. The dogs were transferred to a new, shared environment, with a low partition wall. When they were exposed to shocks, the first group jumped the wall and escaped. The second group did nothing. The Russian people have become like that second group of dogs.

[@pedalpower57]

I enlisted back in 1969 US Army, spent a little more then a year in training before being assigned to South East Asia, did my combat tour and returned home safely mainly because of the training I went through - now watching the videos coming out of Ukraine I am really thankful for the training we received.

[@klee88029]

🎉 Thank you darling for your service to our country. You have more courage to have enlisted than I have ever had. I hope your life since you returned to the USA has had many blessings. 1952 Boomer🧓+🦮🐕🐩🐶🐕‍🦺Retired nurse living contently on 20 acres in the NW Chihuahuan Desert area in the USA 🙏💙🌊🇺🇸2024

[@deborahwalker7406]

Imagine that we Americans believed Russia had a sophisticated super military. In actuality, there is no midlevel command..that was evident in his description...no hierarchy of command.....no officer training academies. But, Putin lives a palace 2000 people could live in comfortably. ..

[@deborahwalker7406]

THIS is what trump and band of pricks wants to do to America...and 1/3 of population thinks its fine.

[@ellienielsen533]

The respect demonstrated in this interview is admirable. Whatever lines we draw between one another HOW a thing happens is of equal importance to its outcome.

[@iamrambo99]

What a nightmare

[@kenrdavis2266]

There are too many issues for a reason. People will fear making changes. For 30 years they’ve worried about returning to 1990 if not for Putin. Exactly what they’ve been conditioned to think in their single party system & Government Media Controlled.

[@eucliduschaumeau8813]

When he said he voted for Putin, he was asked why, then unsurprisingly said that there were no other candidates running. That’s insane.

[@ZemplinTemplar]

The irony being that Putrid is currently doing everything he can to cause a Russian economic crash far worse than anything in the 1990s. The less said about Russian demographics falling off a cliff, the better...

[@Bob94390]

Many thanks to Kyiv Independent for bringing information like this. When so many russians tell similar stories, both front soldiers and their families, and their stories fit well together with so much other information, much of this must be true. The russian Führer vladolf putler has made russia become a really pathetic place.

[@CCK_PRODUCTIONS]

Awesome video. Thank you for bringing interviews like this for the masses to see. ❤️ 🇺🇦 ❤️

[@joelautigar8567]

Wow. Compliments to him. That was the most heartfelt interview I have seen. I hope he eventually finds inner peace.

[@chrissmith2114]

When the Russians have realised that everyone who signed a contract never got paid and never came back they will know they have been lied to

[@eucliduschaumeau8813]

They will have a hard time finding out in the vacuum of information that exists inside of Russia. Even the top people only know what they are told.

[@nikedoesthings]

The moment people stop going voluntarily to the front, Putin will declare martial law and start calling the special military operation a war, but say Ukraine started it, of course.

[@harshbutfair8993]

@chrissmith2114 On some level, I think most know already, but as the Americans would say, they lap that crap up like kool aid. This guy and others have unfortunately given little hope of any major change of attitude or mindset in Russia. Prigozhin's coup attempt could have worked, but with that being called off, you don't really have any force capable of change in Russia.

[@obsidianjane4413]

@@harshbutfair8993 It could never have worked because the bigger fish (in the GRU) that would have been the ones pulling the strings never took the bait.

[@Kitiwake]

When every country that gave aid to Ukraine realises they will never be paid back, they will know they have ben lied to too.

[@LewisSkeeter]

Sad, haunting and truthful. The words of a man who has seen it all.

[@marie-v2j]

Slava Ukraini forever!!!👍🏻💪🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇬🇧

[@golokavrndavana]

Слава Україні. Слава Справедливим і хитрим людям.

[@DarkCriimes]

@@golokavrndavanacunning ? Ok.

[@bazzakeegan2243]

​@@golokavrndavanaI detect sarcasm. 💩

[@MoniqueangeliqueLumpkin]

BLABLABLA

[@wiktorpoliszczuk1372]

Зеленський сказав правду Українцям . І це було: "я ваш вирок ",і більшисть дружно підтримала ,

[@EricaFiore]

I would show these Russians what has happen to the baby's mothers and children who have been bombed who are no more that they did this horrible acts.

[@zhukie]

They often say that any such videos have been faked, or that it was done by Ukraine. The propaganda is all pervasive.

[@harmless6813]

They don't care. They are used to wanton violence and injustice.

[@BeppeRGDL]

They couldn’t care less & are still stuck in an imperial frame of mind. Putin fully represents the bulk of the population.

[@frua97]

They would shrug. The pay's the same.

[@RAIN-AGAIN]

To Erica: Greetings from a military veteran in Chicago, USA🌱 I know what you mean. I was sickened by the bombings of cities Mariupol ect……. …… and their lives will not be in vain……. because of their sacrifice…. The world has opened its eyes to PUTIN’S insanity…. And 140 million Russians eyes are opening to REALITY ❗️ This guy wouldn’t harm a flea …. let alone elderly or a baby…… he doesn’t have the temperament to even stomach such carnage .. even in picture form.😮 He is clearly a victim of a evil regime…. his schooling, religious and political propaganda, social media, state TV, magazines, movies all hid the facts to produce measured critical thought. ….. Sooooo, making him see the deadly results of his victim hood…. would become cruel and unusual punishment …….😢 for a victim who spent his entire lifetime living a lie. he had NO idea he was living…… he is waking up from lifelong nightmare…. right in this prison camp…. right before our eyes….. There is nothing but lies in his past….. he should never return….. may he build a life in welcoming Ukraine….. They will welcome him as they have warm, understanding hearts ❗️ SLAVA UKRAINI 🇺🇦 To @ harmless No harmless…. He is not a man of war …. Nor will he ever be……. He, like the majority of humanity…. is utterly appalled at 1 death…. let alone constant mindless killing that war produces. He would be like you and me…… in this predicament: ▪️the feeling of powerlessness over his life, ▪️The feeling of great confusion on many levels. ▪️and….. the inescapable weight of depression along with a glimmer of HOPE…….. that …. good things can still come from his life………..after all. To @frua Yes Frua,….. It has been determined that humans without a sense of purpose ….. after EVERY MORSEL of humanity has been drained from them because of death EVERYWHERE…….. humans can fall into an abyss…… mentally….. where living by any means necessary becomes their creed. BUT…… NOT ALL MEN WILL DO THIS WAY……. 😢 I’m no longer religious….. like this man…. I WAS LIED TO FOR 50 YEARS ❗️ The brainwashing of the corrupt religious cults propaganda turned my son and 2 sisters against me when I found out the truth about my religion! These evil leadership was hiding decades of child sexual abuse from the congregation and the police ❗️ I uncovered there EVIL on the internet ❗️ Even when supplying evidence of their deception to my family…. they REFUSED to read it!! ….. and DIDN’T believe a word of it❗️……. IVE ALWAYS LOVED MY FAMILY AND THEY KNEW ME TO BE AN HONEST MAN. But…. I believe that it is possible to keep your INTEGRITY ….. even if you are starving…. If you know the beauty of LOVE…. the love Jesus taught…… STAYS WITH ME ( though the religion was a LIE ❗️) I would share my bread with another….. even if it was my last piece❗️ …. Because…. Humans are above wild animals. IF WE CHOOSE TO……….. we can live and die with honor……. we are made in Gods image……. We DONT have to become animals…… we can die with dignity….. the truth deserves HONOR ❗️ I’m 68. My only son is 26. He hasn’t spoken to me in 5 years…….. WHY❓ BECAUSE I TOLD HIM THE TRUTH ❗️ …… once we do our job frua……… we have to hold our heads up high….. and get on with life….. this man has found out a rare truth that will eventually…… lead him to inner….and outer peace🦋 I’m an artist……. I write beautiful jazz and short stories to share with the world……. But…… like this man….. I’m praying for UKRAINE to recover ALL its land…… and the unawakened Russian population to finally wake from their nightmare……. And find new leadership, a REAL DEMOCRACY…… with peace……. for all. LOVE IS THE ONLY WAY FORWARD………🕯️ God bless, 🎼RAIN AGAIN 🎼

[@chrischart2386]

Vladimir Putin has ruined that man's life. He'll never get over that.

[@obsidianjane4413]

At this point millions of lives....

[@ianknight2053]

He voted for him!

[@JohnSmith-pq7vn]

Ruined their own lives you mean.

[@obsidianjane4413]

@@JohnSmith-pq7vn I'm not referring to just Russians. But even then, they've been actively lied to and many contract and conscript didn't sign up for Ukraine.

[@derekd1510]

Ruin is just the standard Russian circumstances at this point. This man is a lucky one. He now has a chance to start over in Ukraine where he may eventually be able to build some security for himself.

[@jacquia.2606]

Great interview, really well done. I have a lot of respect for the way the Ukrainians are handling things.

[@flipe7852]

Super interview thank you. The honesty of the guy came through

[@jimcaulfield1713]

Thanks!

[@peasinourthyme5722]

Awesome journalism! Thank you! Thank you for; not edditing, not dubbing and for keeping a quiet, calm conversation. This non-antagonistic approach is sure better at getting people to speak openly and freely. And then they tell more and show more of who they are. This became not only another POW but also gave a sense of the person.

[@sirgaythecatch7208]

The Australian guy speaks very poor Russian… you’ve been duped…

[@sirgaythecatch7208]

I’m more inclined to think the whole thing has been staged… he has been assigned to be an assault soldier… look at his legs!

[@goodtohaveinajam8148]

I realize that, here in Los Angeles, I know more about what's going on in the war than any Russian.

[@carolwilliams8511]

That's true for all of us in the free world.

[@BorisMladic]

Haha come on give me a break please "free world"😅😅😅

[@JamesMurphy-ry2mx]

@@BorisMladic If you feel free in Russia I suggest you stay there. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@Kerorhavbc777]

No.mate, you need to check.interviews of ukranian POWs and you probably didnt get ANY

[@CACar_Nation]

What do you do in LA? I’m there too

[@Michelle-oc4ty]

This was so candid and so sad. It was so heartfelt from both sides. I am pro-Ukraine, but you feel this man's despair.

[@madselmvig1457]

He went there for money.. So before you feel too much sorry for him, remember he is a mercenary... nothing more than a hired killer. And he is lucky, since according to the Geneva Convention, protection of POW's does not include mercenaries.. they are counted as illegal combatants and has no protection under the accords.

[@gekolizzard]

Thought provoking and honest, mostly.

[@felixcat9318]

Sent to the front with less than two weeks 'training'. A uniformed guy with a rifle and grenades doesn't make a soldier, it only makes a guy with weapons that knows absolutely zero about anything... This man represents the sheer desperation of Putin to get soldiers, or guys dressed as soldiers into his ego war.

[@Kerorhavbc777]

Kursk was not a front line

[@capnfrankly]

When someone criticized the quality of Russian tanks during WWII they were producing thousands of supposedly sub-quality tanks (the T34/85 which today is much lauded but was not all that good ). Stalin was reputed to have said "quantity has a quality of its own" implying you could simply swamp the German higher quality tanks by throwing an endless quantity of technically inferior tanks at them. Putin regards his people in the same light against the Ukraine .that is, we have millions more people than the Ukranians and will simply overwhelm them with number and I dont give a shit about the numbers of our people we have massacred ! Same old Stalinist story, the win ratio of people that were killed in the WWII conflict was incredibly higher than the Germans on all fronts ( I believe) but the principle is the same . Putin simply does not care, that is evident !

[@felixcat9318]

@@capnfrankly Excellent points.

[@felixcat9318]

@@Kerorhavbc777 I believe it was at the time the interviewee was sent there.

[@rachelnise2473]

​@@Kerorhavbc777in the short time between signing a contract and the Ukrainians crossing the border, there's not the time for him to have realised he will be an assault soldier instead of a supply driver with other work inbetween. Or was he to be an assault in a planned Russian offensive to begin a renewed front line? Whichever, an assault group needs to be at the front line to assault and that was his first position.

[@PhantomQueenOne]

He has the look of a person completely beaten down by life.

[@PhantomQueenOne]

My dad was a POW guard in Korea. He said the North Koreans and Chinese were so brainwashed that it blew his mind. That's how most of the Russians are, brainwashed. Dad was firm with the POW's but refused to treat them badly unless they acted up. Constant riots and things in the camps. One soldier decided to act out against the POW's and got his ass handed to him by the other Americans. I'm glad the Ukrainians are trying their best to follow the rules of war and be as humane as possible all considering. They try not to harm Russian civilians or people that have surrendered.

[@markthompson1819]

I suspect a vodka problem.

[@PhantomQueenOne]

@@markthompson1819 Having no hope can make you drink excessively.

[@user-man-now80]

I was surprisedby his honesty. Definitely a droken man but very articulate. Good luck in the future. It is very sad.

[@michaelkimber6203]

An excellent interview. Thank you 💪🇺🇦💪🇬🇧

[@solarwind907]

He hast to be careful what he says, in case he gets sent back to Putin Ville

[@zhukie]

POWs will not be sent back against their will if they do not wish it.

[@Bob-nd2mr]

@@zhukie Ukrainians decide. But ...IMO....Budanov as the Ukrainain head of INTEL, and he has a brilliant track record, is handling this situation brilliantly as well...as seen in this very smooth video showing no coercion and no acting ... Budanov & Syerskyi are the masterminds behind the Ukrainian war effort and are playing it long and playing it cool. They will be famous in the birth of this modern democracy. 2 of their best commanders but i bet Budanov will still not smile ...his statue would spill more secrets than him

[@ExaltedHermit]

@@zhukie in theory yes, in practice they could be exchanged against their will, since Ukraine values their prisoners more than some formal war customs. Besides Russia has broken every rule by now, torturing and executing POWs, there's no incentive to treat Russian prisoners fairly.

[@haraldthi]

There's a step beyond not being willing be exchanged: To go into the civil society of Ukraine and help build up what is destroyed by the war. I doubt they'll be trusted with Ukraine's military, but that's what they have these russian divisions for if they'll want to pull down Putin. But you could also be a builder, a clerk and many things more. I'm sure they need people there as well, so why not.

[@eh1702]

“I was the youngest in my platoon”. 🤯😳🙄

[@djipee20]

😮wow..important work here...poor soul.. keep it up... your work is outstanding!! Thank you from Canada

[@lefthandedluke]

A broken man.

[@sharonlavery7656]

That's the majority of Russian men !

[@chrissmith2114]

This bloke is a lot luckier than anyone left inside Russia...

[@sandfly]

That was one of the most revealing interviews I've seen. This simple yet articulate man said it all and condemned Putin and his cronies more than any war correspondent.

[@casimirkulikowski5949]

You can hear the sadness in his voice, he would rather stay in a POW camp than return to the russian military.

[@trishalamb138]

I hope he can get asylum somewhere, maybe even in Ukraine. Even though he was a soldier, he doesn’t seem like he has hatred in his heart. I hope he finds peace and safety somewhere.

[@yvandion6091]

great interview, thank you vert Much to keep us informed

[@jimmyblue3058]

ty for upload. insanly honest interview . I hope every1 in those situations like this guy is making it out and get help.

[@mikesahle1193]

Thank you 🙏 this interview is very good 👍 calmly explained with theory evidence ☝️👏👏👏double global 🌍glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦👋☮️

[@manonthemoon2912]

He's right to think that without Putin the whole Russian Federation will fall apart.

[@tobytoxd]

Wow, this interview touched me deep inside. It is so honest and calm on both sides. It gives a great insight into this broken man and the state of Russia right now. I was crying sometimes and just wanted to give this man a long and strong hug. For us humans to thrive, it's all about love, education and opportunities - always was and will ever be. Thank you from my heart for your work!

[@williambrooks6629]

It would be better to hug a Ukrainian who has lost a loved one. This man is enjoying the comforts of life while braver men are defending their homeland.

[@tobytoxd]

@@williambrooks6629 Yes, yes. And i'd hug you, too .)

[@GrahamCStrouse]

He’s a thoughtful fellow. Life seems to have treated him hard. He certainly can’t go back to Russia now.

[@ForelliBoy]

It takes a superhuman level of integrity to maintain an adherence to international law when your enemy is flouting breaking it in your face every day. Slava Ukraini.

[@randywatkins3306]

As A Vietnam Veteran Soldier , we all understand WAR is hell , no Matter where or when it is ! We live with it the rest of our lives ! It never leaves your consciousness ! 😮 Talking about it helps ease that !

[@77777771955]

Thank you, very insightful from a Private’s perspective.

[@golokavrndavana]

Курськ був частиною України. Просто про це мало хто знає, тому що це було досить приховано від простих істориків на той час, але воно було частиною України. Згодом прийшла Катерина Велика. Курськ був частиною України ще до її приходу. Історія була змінена і погано збережена, потім в неї свідомо вносилися зміни. Люди зрадили, але Курськ був частиною України. Україна не нападала на Росію, Україна добре поводилася з росіянами і навіть поважала деякі їхні досягнення тощо. Багато українців вивчали російську мову. Крим це Україна. Україна ні належать Петру Україна має багату історію, це йде далеко, далеко назад.. І навіть потім було чудово. Просто мало хто знає. Вони не дуже хотіли дізнаватися більше.. Слава Захисникам України. Слава Героям нашого часу. Може бути якесь рішення, але тільки після того, як певні речі будуть виправлені. Проблеми з Росією почалися давно, але Україна ніколи не здавалася. Історія України дуже цікава, але її важко вивчати іноземцям. Росія теж має свою історію, і були періоди тісної історії та контактів між країнами. Україна не поводилася погано з росіянами.

[@daviddelgado6090]

Fun fact that: Catherine was German

[@golokavrndavana]

@@daviddelgado6090 : She is a complex personality.. Quite an interesting one. How do you know, that she was German?

[@daviddelgado6090]

@@golokavrndavana Princess Sophie Augusta Frederica von Anhalt-Zerbst; Her father, Christian August, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, belonged to the ruling German family of Anhalt.

[@bruced1429]

@@daviddelgado6090 Yes she was a Prussian Princess, ironic it is, that Russias' great queen was Prussian?

[@dash5257]

Being a Vet, we would call this guy meat for the meat grinder. It's horrible how little Russia cares for these men. 2 weeks of training doesn't make you a soldier. It makes you a civilian who knows how to use a gun. Russia is dangerous because they care so little for their own that they could very easily violate rules of combat and use biological, chemical and nuclear weapons.

[@emiliomaspero1054]

Thanks for giving the time to the normal voices in this conflict. This guy is a changed man from his experiences. He seems to be close to tears at times. He no longer will die or lie for his country. Bless him.

[@paulterry7672]

A good interview the guy was lucky to get out alive seemed honest enough could not blame him for staying put.

[@zeppelin0110]

Very timely interview. Fascinating.

[@carleey9513]

My heart goes out to this soldier. They are victims of a bad and cruel dictator. Other lives mean nothing to him. Blessings to all soldiers everywhere. Hopefully one day this planet will be without filthy devastating war.

[@ivangohome]

The value of life in Russia has always depended on a KGB and/or one party system...

[@JamesMurphy-ry2mx]

Ivangohome NKVD,KGB,FSB. Wonder what they’ll be called next? Essential part of the totalitarian state. Slava Ukraine!🇺🇦

[@crealizecoaching]

I agree, but we all live in such a system one way or another. We are allowed to speak more freely, is the only difference, we have our oligarchs steering the puppets in a two party system or comparable.

[@susanfrancis5471]

I feel so bad for this guy. He’s so thin; I’m glad he’s somewhere where he has food and shelter. He should stay, and send for his wife. Good luck buddy❤

[@Dillinger86]

What a great interview, I feel so bad for him.

[@jordansmith1b]

One is touched by the honesty on his part, and the compassion of the interviewers. I wish him well. I only wish he could know how his interview touches others in this country.

[@rachelc2227]

merci

[@rakersdownnz]

Thank you for this interview, the largest parts on this mans body are his hands swollen from the damage from the grenade, he chose life and will think of the decision with his own grenade for the rest of his life, but by his choice he will be alive to think, War is said to be the end of youth and laughter, but that its now the end of elderly and infirmed, cruelty on so many levels. Wish all the soldiers and civilians, Ukrainian, Russian and International, safe harbour and that you return to your loved ones.

[@Ouralbleu1]

What strikes me is the honesty of this man. He does not brag, tells the things just as he lived them. Just a simple human, not well versed in politics, a simple human lost in a war for which he has litteraly no real information and understanding. A human "victim" of war like hundreds/thousands of others must be, who are living in a nightmare.

[@Nosspddmn]

Cool interview. I would like to see more of these. Their insight is interesting to hear.

[@fusy09]

Good interview. Sort of humane, universal.

[@stevenhandorf3145]

I feel very bad for this Russian POW. He has had a very difficult life, to say the least. No one should blame him for feeling cynical and discouraged.

[@paulnewsome6289]

Neither World War "ended with negotiations". They ended when the Kaiser and The Fuherer were defeated.

[@AntonioCarlosGomes310151]

Na verdade a Primeira Guerra terminou em negociações, mal conduzidas. O que acabou por ocasionar a Segunda Guerra.

[@zeddy_me]

@@AntonioCarlosGomes310151 WW1 ended on terms dictated primarily by a vengeful France.

[@michaelhompus2475]

I think that the guy referred to the fact that in many international conflicts the agressor 'gets away with it' with some sort of gain and the other party has to accept a loss. Kissinger suggested (more than a year ago) that a diplomatic solution might be reached if Ukraine would give up some territory... Trump sort of seems to see the same 'solution' to strike a deal. And then? Will Russia pay for the damage it caused in Ukraine? No, Putin will claim he added Donbas etc. to the great Russian Empire. I think that this POW was thinking along that same line when he mentioned negotiations. If I steal your car, can I negotiate with you about it later? With nations (and their leaders), conflicts are sadly not settled in courts but by diplomats who negotiate...

[@hannahill1811]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@fixento]

One of the most honest interviews of a captured Russian soldier I seen. He's intelligent, was caught up in financial hardship, honest about Russia's political state and it's military with average age of 60, incredible. Absolutely accurate about the media's propaganda of bias, lies, and deception. He's a man that's ashamed the Army put him in a situation where he had to surrender, tired, depressed, and feels hopeless.

[@edrabogucki401]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@MikevomMars]

I've never heard of an army before deploying their soldiers without any food or even water - that's insane🤦‍♂

[@AsunaYuukiSAO3]

"War does not determine who is right - only who is left." - Bertrand Russell

[@alskink6931]

Food and water for the soldiers cost too much for Putin.

[@seth1455]

probably didn't expect them to live long

[@MikevomMars]

@@seth1455 It's actually the other way round: without water, troops are literally sent to death. There is no chance for effective combat then. We had a drill once where our entire platoon was deployed without enough water resources during a hot summer day. Within hours only, the entire platoon lost its combat capability due to dehydration. It had to be evacuated, some of them in serious condition. All due to lack of water.

[@victorhopper6774]

@@MikevomMars you would not be evacuated in the russian army-just replaced. thats the history of russia and why they have such a low population for such a huge place.

[@guerillagardener8518]

Indeed what and interesting story and to hear his perspectives. Fantastic interview!

[@Jolluna]

This guy, when asked whom he voted for: "I voted for Putin because there wasn't anyone else to vote for." And this guy, when confronted with the fact that he voted - for Putin - for the first time in his life two years into the war: "I didn't want anyone else replacing Putin at this stage." Which was it, or was there a silent third option as well?

[@odysseus292]

I think they're not literal, but effective. The first statement refers to that there wasn't any real opposition candidate; just different 'allies' of Putin who weren't contenders. The second statement is that he voted to show he wants Putin in - rather than not voting and Putin gets a lower figure so he's showing he supports Putin.

[@barl6412]

@@odysseus292im pretty sure the only guy running against Putin was killed

[@ExaltedHermit]

@@odysseus292 In Russia you don't get alternative candidates. This year we had clowns, like literal straw men against Putin. One candidate even said "Do you think I am crazy?" when asked if he's going to win. It's soviet elections all over again, pure theater. Any anti-war candidate would have won, so none were allowed to run.

[@timmommens901]

NAFO 69th Brigade 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦👍 Check the new NAFO Drone Bus 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦✌👊🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@twitchykun]

#NAFOexpansionisnonnegotiable

[@silva7493]

Extremely sad.

[@morganthomas1835]

It is telling, how Russian POW's speak in such neutral terms, never saying the whole truth, out loud, in clear terms; these are people who think they have to return home to Putin's regime and the consequences for haven spoken truth. It is mostly a waste of time to interview the old ones. Slava Ukraine

[@artuk1812]

He should seek asylum in another country

[@tennyceb]

Sad

[@Alexander-02]

Thank you for the video

[@Dreamz-vr8zc]

He volunteered for an army that invaded another country for no reason and was responsible for countless deaths. He wanted to support that. Now he doesn't have to cry.

[@JohnDoe-io7wi]

agree… in the end they just pity themselves

[@yestoglobalpeace]

This video footage is very moving to say the very least. Thanks for giving the rest of us some insight. I wish that soldier will be able to have a peaceful life one day in the future.

[@Rottweilerdsq]

Slava Ukraini

[@GigMaresh]

110 pounds of sadness

[@LindaClayton-p2x]

Stay put and stay alive .😢.

[@AlanSari2714]

Thank you for this interview

[@nomcognom2414]

Very interesting and "balanced" testimony. This guy really had no clue what the situation really was, just like everybody else voluntarily joining the Russian armed forces. But he strikes me as maybe particularly representative of the average Russian, whether they join the army or don't. He is realistic and cool-minded enough, only too ignorant to navigate any reality beyond his immediate environment. It is amazing how Russian society seems to largely remain the same through the ages. If we could interview some sad Russian PoW from a century or more ago, it would likely be the same sad story of some poor guy wanting to stay afloat, feeling randomly battered by the gigantic waves of history and fate. And whoever holds (or wants to hold) absolute power in Russia will always use these guys as cannon fodder. How sad to watch mankind growing clueless by the day. But those being aggressed, like Ukrainians, will at least always really know what they are fighting for. And Ukrainians are strong. You are a great nation, culturally wonderful, free, and worth fighting for.

[@walterdavis4808]

Great interview. Thanks

[@SlideRulePirate]

Doesn't trust Russian propaganda. Doesn't trust Ukrainian propaganda. Swallows what the recruiting sergeant tells him hook, line and sinker.

[@JamesMurphy-ry2mx]

Recruiting officers are usually very convincing! Born salesmen.( A colleague of mine when going for a dump used to say he was going to give birth to a salesman!

[@christianviewmont5632]

Very interesting interview, thanks for sharing...

[@Muzzle801]

Glory to Ukraine for maintaining its humanity ❤ This is a humanitarian crisis in my mind. Where does the rehabilitation start for the Russian people? Their entrie lives are based on half truths, lies, ignorance, corruption and fear. What do we do to correct that!?

[@williambrooks6629]

We have to have better propaganda than theirs

[@chriswharton]

Good interview. Well done.

[@mariadorosariodaraujofaria7705]

SLAVA UKRAINI 🇺🇦 HEROYAM SLAVA 💙💛

[@lesliesChannel-hu8gr]

American old lady here just wanting to give him a hug. Putin is destroying everything. Stay where you are.