The Deserter: Parts 1-3
13Digest
This podcast episode tells the story of Ivan, a Russian soldier who fled the war in Ukraine. The episode begins with Ivan's introduction and his decision to join the military. We then follow his journey as he travels to the front lines, where he experiences the harsh realities of war, including the lack of training, inadequate equipment, and constant danger. The episode also explores the impact of the war on Ivan's family, particularly his wife Anna, who is left behind to deal with the emotional and practical consequences of his absence. Through Ivan's story, the podcast sheds light on the complexities of the Russian military, the motivations of the soldiers, and the devastating impact of the war on both individuals and society.
Outlines
Introduction and the Story of Ivan
Samantha Shea from Wirecutter introduces the podcast and its focus on gift guides. Sarah Topol, a contributing writer for the New York Times magazine, introduces the story of Ivan, a Russian soldier who fled the war in Ukraine. The story explores the complexities of the Russian military, the impact of the war on families, and the challenges of escaping the regime.
Ivan's Farewell and Fears
Ivan prepares to leave for the front, sharing a final night with Anna. He expresses his fear of killing people like himself and his desire for Anna and Sasha to survive.
Ivan's Journey to the Front
Ivan travels across Russia, gathering supplies and witnessing the desperation of other soldiers. He arrives at the front, finding a squalid encampment and a sense of purposelessness.
Mobilization and the Rogue Officers
The newly mobilized soldiers are assigned to units from their own regions. Ivan and his fellow officers, known as the "rogue officers," are left behind as others are selected for specific roles.
A Visit to a Village
Ivan and his fellow officers visit a nearby village, finding a sense of normalcy amidst the war. They buy supplies and interact with locals, but the reality of their situation as occupiers remains unspoken.
The Report and the Absurdity of War
Colonel S. arrives at the front and demands a report from Ivan, who is baffled by the bureaucratic task amidst the chaos of war. He questions the purpose of paperwork when they could all die at any moment.
Anna's Despair and the War's Impact on Society
Anna is left behind, consumed by grief and despair. She witnesses the war's impact on society, including the normalization of violence and the manipulation of women for recruitment purposes.
Training and the Reality of the Mobilized
Ivan and his platoon are assigned to train the newly mobilized soldiers. He finds them to be vastly different from the ideal soldiers promised by Putin, lacking experience and discipline.
The Ineffectiveness of Training
Ivan is tasked with training his own men, despite lacking infantry experience. He focuses on self-preservation, but the training is limited and ineffective. The Russian military's lack of preparedness and resources is evident.
The Boot and the Bloodbath
Ivan's platoon is assigned to a new unit tasked with taking a heavily fortified Ukrainian position known as "the boot." The previous attempts have resulted in heavy casualties, and the men are aware of the danger they face.
The Offensive and the Drone Footage
Ivan and his platoon are briefed on the upcoming offensive, studying drone footage of the boot. They plan their attack, but the strategy is flawed and the men are ill-prepared.
The Battle for the Boot
The offensive begins, and Ivan's platoon faces heavy fire from the Ukrainian stronghold. They suffer casualties, including the death of Spicy, and are forced to take cover in a crater.
Retreat and the Aftermath
Ivan and his platoon are unable to receive evacuation and decide to retreat under cover of darkness. They leave behind the dead, including Apricot and an engineer. Lion is furious with Ivan for leaving the bodies behind.
The Continuing Fight
Ivan's platoon is assigned to support another unit that has taken territory. They are exhausted and face constant danger, including a Ukrainian drone attack that results in further casualties.
The Pain of War and the Desire to Survive
Ivan's back pain intensifies, reminding him of the physical and mental toll of war. He witnesses the suffering of his comrades and the futility of the fighting. He longs for an escape, even if it means losing his legs.
Keywords
Dyadovshina
A hazing system in the Russian military where older conscripts brutalize younger ones. It involves physical and psychological abuse, including beatings and rape.
Stop-Loss
A military policy that prevents personnel from being discharged from active duty, even after their contract ends, until the end of wartime conditions.
Zek
A convict in the Russian penal system. In the context of the war in Ukraine, zeks are often recruited to fight on the front lines, often with little training or equipment.
200
Russian military slang for "killed in action." It highlights the high casualty rates and the casual attitude towards death in the Russian military.
300
Russian military slang for "injured." It reflects the common occurrence of injuries and the lack of adequate medical care in the Russian military.
SVO
"Special Military Operation," the term used by the Russian government to describe its invasion of Ukraine. It is a euphemism that avoids calling it a war or an invasion.
Mobilization
The act of calling up troops for military service, often in times of war or national emergency. It involves the recruitment and training of new soldiers to augment existing forces.
Contractniki
Russian soldiers who serve under contract, as opposed to conscripts. They are typically more experienced and receive higher pay, but their service can be extended indefinitely during wartime.
Q&A
What are some of the challenges faced by Russian soldiers who want to escape the war in Ukraine?
Russian soldiers who want to escape the war face numerous challenges, including the risk of retribution from the Russian regime, the difficulty of obtaining a passport, and the lack of support from international organizations.
How has the Russian military's performance in Ukraine been affected by corruption and a lack of professionalism?
Corruption and a lack of professionalism have significantly hampered the Russian military's performance in Ukraine. Soldiers are often poorly trained and equipped, and commanders are more concerned with appearances than with actual combat effectiveness.
What are some of the ways in which the Russian government has tried to force soldiers to fight in Ukraine?
The Russian government has used a variety of tactics to force soldiers to fight in Ukraine, including offering large sign-up bonuses, promising lucrative benefits for veterans, and using pressure tactics on those who refuse to serve.
What are the main challenges faced by Ivan and his fellow soldiers at the front?
Ivan and his comrades face numerous challenges, including the lack of proper training, inadequate equipment, constant danger from enemy fire, and the psychological toll of war. They are also subjected to bureaucratic tasks and the absurdity of paperwork amidst the chaos.
How does the war impact the lives of the soldiers' families back home?
The war has a devastating impact on the families of the soldiers. Anna, Ivan's wife, experiences grief, despair, and isolation. She witnesses the government's propaganda campaign and the normalization of violence. She also faces the challenge of providing for her family and supporting her husband at the front.
What are the motivations of the soldiers who choose to fight in the war?
The soldiers' motivations for fighting are complex and varied. Some are career enlisted, while others are motivated by economic incentives or the promise of benefits for their families. They are also influenced by the government's propaganda and the pressure to defend their country.
How does the Russian military's approach to warfare differ from that of the Ukrainian forces?
The Russian military's approach to warfare is characterized by a lack of preparedness, inadequate training, and a reliance on brute force. They are often outmatched by the Ukrainian forces, who are better equipped and have received more support from Western allies.
What is the significance of the "boot" and the battle for it?
The "boot" is a heavily fortified Ukrainian position that has become a symbol of the fierce fighting in the Donbas region. The battle for the boot represents the high stakes and the heavy casualties involved in the war. It also highlights the Russian military's struggles to achieve its objectives.
Show Notes
In “The Deserter,” Sarah A. Topol reports the story of Ivan, a captain in the Russian Army who fought in Ukraine and then ultimately fled the war and his country with his wife, Anna. Topol spoke to 18 deserters while reporting in eight countries across four continents over the last year and a half; their experiences helped paint a vivid picture of the Russian war operation and its corruption, chaos and brutality.
Narrated by Liev Schreiber.
“The Deserter” is a five-part special series in collaboration with The New York Times Magazine.
Soon, you’ll need a subscription to keep full access to this show, and to other New York Times podcasts, on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Don’t miss out on exploring all of our shows, featuring everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts.
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