Ivan, a Russian Army captain who fled the war in Ukraine, shares his gripping story alongside his wife, Anna. They discuss the emotional struggle of love amidst warfare and the harsh realities faced by soldiers. Reporter Sarah A. Topol highlights systemic corruption in the military and the absurdities of military bureaucracy. The couple also navigates new parenthood while dealing with the pressures of the military and their desperate bid for safety. Narrated by Liev Schreiber, their narratives reveal a poignant blend of personal and political turmoil.

In this gripping discussion, Sarah A. Topol, a seasoned reporter on military conflicts, joins actor and narrator Liev Schreiber to share the harrowing story of Ivan, a Russian Army captain who fled the war in Ukraine with his wife, Anna. They explore the challenges of desertion, including legal risks and personal struggles with loyalty. Ivan’s daring escape plans reveal the chaos of war and the emotional toll on soldiers and their families, painting a stark picture of the costs of conflict and the pursuit of freedom.

Actor, director, screenwriter, and producer Liev Schreiber co-founded the BlueCheck Ukraine initiative in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine. BlueCheck Ukraine identifies, vets, and fast-tracks financial support to a diverse portfolio of NGOs that provide life-saving aid on the front lines. Since its launch in March 2022, BlueCheck has swiftly financed emergency evacuations, food distributions, medical aid, shelter, and cash assistance to operations on the ground. Alec Baldwin speaks to Schreiber about his Ukrainian roots and what drove him to start the non-profit, what he has witnessed in his visits to the war-torn region and his extraordinary acting work, from Shakespeare to the Emmy-nominated “Ray Donovan.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.