Russian contract soldier turned POW on his capture near Kursk

Summary

The transcript details a Russian soldier's experience after signing a contract with the army, expecting to drive a vehicle but instead becoming a stormtrooper. He recounts the harsh training, the physical demands, and the reality of being sent to the front lines. The soldier describes the chaos of battle, the lack of clear command, and the desperate situation that led to his capture. He reflects on the propaganda from both sides, his disillusionment with the war, and the harsh conditions that far exceeded his expectations. The soldier also contemplates his future, leaning towards staying in Ukraine to avoid returning to the violence.

Takeaways

• 😔 The individual signed a contract with the Russian army, expecting to be a vehicle driver but was instead assigned as a stormtrooper.
• 🏹 Upon arrival, he quickly realized that the promises made to him were not going to be fulfilled, particularly regarding his role in the military.
• 🗓️ He signed the contract in July and was sent to Kursk for training, where he had no prior military experience.
• 🏠 Before joining the army, he had a mundane life working long hours and was divorced with a daughter living in St. Petersburg.
• 💵 Financial struggles were a significant factor in his decision to enlist, as he was unable to escape his financial situation.
• 🌎 He was initially skeptical about the war, relying on TV and the internet for information, and eventually lost interest as it dragged on.
• 🔍 He did not trust either Russian or Ukrainian propaganda and had a neutral stance, not believing in either side's narrative.
• 💥 He experienced rocket attacks and was deployed near a burning oil refinery, highlighting the dangerous conditions he faced.
• 🏃‍♂️ He was part of a group that had to quickly move locations multiple times, eventually finding themselves in a dire situation without supplies.
• 🔫 After being surrounded and with no support, they had to make a decision to break out, which involved leaving behind all unnecessary gear to move faster.
• ⏳ He was captured after being on the run and hiding for a week, facing the harsh reality of war and its consequences.

Q & A

What was the initial promise when the individual signed the contract with the Russian army?

The individual was initially promised to be trained as a driver.

When did the individual sign the contract and what was the first realization?

The contract was signed in July, and the first realization was on the first day that he would not be trained as a driver but would be a stormtrooper instead.

What was the individual's physical condition like, and how did it affect his training?

The individual described himself as not very physically fit, mentioning issues with his back and carrying a weight of 50 kg, which was also the weight of the Bronniy (armor).

How long did the training last and what was the daily routine?

The training lasted for about two weeks and involved physically demanding tasks from morning until evening under the sun.

What was the individual's life like before deciding to sign the contract?

Before signing the contract, the individual worked unofficially from 9 am to 8 pm, had a divorced family, and his daughter lived in Petersburg.

What were the main reasons for the individual to join the army?

The main reasons were financial difficulties and the belief that the war would end by autumn or November.

What were the individual's initial thoughts about the conflict and the information from both Russian and Ukrainian sides?

Initially, he tried to understand the situation through TV and the internet but eventually lost interest as the conflict dragged on. He did not trust either Russian or Ukrainian propaganda and believed that both sides were biased.

What were the promises regarding financial payments when the individual signed the contract?

He was promised a one-time payment of 400,000 rubles transferred to his card, 700 from the governor, and 195 from the federal side, with monthly payments ranging from 200 to 205 rubles.

How did the individual's experience in the Kursk region unfold, and what was the situation like?

The individual experienced rocket threats and witnessed a burning oil refinery. He was moved around multiple times and eventually found himself in a forest without personal belongings, food, or water.

What was the turning point that led to the individual's capture?

The turning point was when they were ordered to leave the encirclement. They moved in groups of five, but due to carrying too much equipment, they had to discard items, and eventually, he was left behind and captured.

What was the individual's mindset during his time in hiding and capture?

During hiding, he constantly thought about the situation he had gotten himself into and regretted his decision. He considered surrendering but ultimately decided against it, which he is now glad about.

What are the individual's thoughts on the information presented by Russian propaganda and the conflict?

He is skeptical of the information presented by Russian propaganda and believes that it's important to approach the situation scientifically rather than just watching TV. He also mentioned that he voted for the first time in his life during the presidential elections.

How has the individual's perspective on the war and the actions of the Russian authorities changed after his experience?

His perspective has significantly changed, and he now believes that the reality of the war is much worse than what he had imagined or what was portrayed.

What does the individual want people in Russia to know about his experience?

He wants people to understand the harsh reality of what is happening and that the situation is much worse than what they might have imagined or been told.