The Fifth Floor: Russia's runaway soldiers

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.