

The Fifth Floor: Russia's runaway soldiers
10 snips Nov 30, 2024
Amaliya Zatari and Nina Nazarova, both BBC Russian journalists, delve into the harrowing topic of Russian military desertion. They share gripping stories of soldiers fleeing to places like France to escape conscription. Zatari recounts a young man's escape journey, while Nazarova highlights the emotional toll on families trying to protect their loved ones. The conversation explores societal perceptions of deserters, the stigma they face in Russia, and the challenges of asylum in foreign lands, painting a poignant picture of resilience and desperation.
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Desertion Numbers
- No official desertion statistics exist, but a human rights group, Go By The Forest, assists soldiers.
- They receive 300-400 monthly requests from Russian soldiers wanting to desert.
Anton's Desertion
- Anton, a 25-year-old Russian lieutenant, never wanted to be a soldier but was pressured by family.
- After serving in Ukraine for six months, he deserted to France via Kazakhstan.
Stepfather's Sacrifice
- A deserter hiding in his village was discovered by a former classmate turned policeman.
- His stepfather took the blame and was prosecuted; the deserter escaped.