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.

For more than two decades, Belarus existed in an equilibrium of quiet authoritarianism. If the government’s repressions didn’t directly touch them, most Belarusians tolerated them. But over the course of 2020, the country’s history and identity, which never much interested a majority of people who lived there, became something they would sacrifice their lives for.Sarah A. Topol explores the battle over a political mural in a public park in Minsk and considers the future of Belarus. As a remarkable campaign of defiance against an increasingly totalitarian regime, the mural is an emblem of strength and a call for change — but to what end?This story was written by Sarah A. Topol and recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publications like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.