The Deserter: Parts 4 and 5
6Digest
This podcast delves into the complex and often harrowing experiences of Russian soldiers who have deserted the military during the war in Ukraine. The story centers around Ivan, a Russian soldier who, after being injured on the front line, devises a plan to avoid being sent back to battle by faking a back injury. He then embarks on a perilous journey to escape Russia, facing numerous challenges and risks, including border checks and potential encounters with Russian agents. The podcast explores the emotional toll of Ivan's decision to desert, highlighting the internal conflict and societal pressure he experienced. The journalist emphasizes the importance of verifying Ivan's story, interviewing other service members from his base to corroborate his experiences. Ivan reflects on the collective responsibility of the Russian people in the war, acknowledging the widespread complicity and the role of Putin's long reign. He expresses anger and frustration at being forced to participate in a conflict he opposes. The episode explores the historical pattern of self-destruction in Russia, highlighting the regime's ability to endure despite its own destructive actions. The podcast introduces Anna and Ivan, a young couple who grew up under Putin's rule, highlighting the generational divide in Russia. Their story demonstrates the devastating impact of geopolitical events on individual lives. The episode focuses on the impact of the war on Sasha, Anna and Ivan's child, highlighting the intergenerational trauma and the lasting consequences of the conflict. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the story's central themes: the dangers of conformity, the consequences of defying the regime, and the ongoing struggle for freedom and independence.
Outlines
Introduction & The Long Escape: Part 4
Samantha Shea from Wirecutter introduces the podcast, followed by Ivan's story of faking a back injury to avoid returning to the front line.
Stocked by Shadows: Part 5
Ivan's journey to escape Russia, including obtaining a fake passport and facing numerous challenges and risks.
The Deserter's Story: A Week of Review
The journalist details the process of interviewing Ivan, reviewing his life, photographs, and experiences.
The Painful Truth: Ivan's Confession & Seeking Validation: Verifying Ivan's Story
Ivan's emotional struggle with his decision to desert and the journalist's commitment to verifying his story.
The Collective Guilt: Ivan's Perspective & The Power of Denial: The Russian People's Choice
Ivan's reflection on the collective responsibility of the Russian people in the war and his disbelief at the continued support for the conflict.
The Cycle of Destruction: Russia's Self-Inflicted Wounds & A Generation Divided: Anna and Ivan's Story
The historical pattern of self-destruction in Russia and the generational divide in the country, as seen through the story of Anna and Ivan.
The Illusion of Stability: The Russian Army's Appeal & The Burden of Guilt: Sasha's Experience
The appeal of the Russian army for young people and the impact of the war on Sasha, Anna and Ivan's child.
A Story of Conformity and Defection
The podcast concludes by emphasizing the story's central themes: the dangers of conformity, the consequences of defying the regime, and the ongoing struggle for freedom and independence.
Keywords
Desertion
The act of abandoning one's military duty or post, often in protest or due to moral objections. It carries significant legal and social consequences, particularly in authoritarian regimes.
Mobilization
The process of calling up troops for active duty, often in times of war or national emergency.
AWOL (Absent Without Leave)
A military term for a soldier who is absent from their assigned duty without authorization. It is a less serious offense than desertion, but still carries penalties.
Collective Guilt
The shared responsibility felt by a group of people for actions or events, even if they did not directly participate. It can be a powerful force in shaping individual and societal attitudes.
Conformity
The act of aligning one's behavior, beliefs, or actions with those of a group or society, often to avoid social disapproval or punishment. It can be a powerful force in maintaining social order but can also stifle dissent and individuality.
Defection
The act of abandoning one's allegiance to a country, political party, or cause, often in favor of an opposing side. It can be motivated by political, ideological, or personal reasons and carries significant risks.
Autocracy
A form of government in which one person or a small group of people holds absolute power, often without checks or balances. It is characterized by suppression of dissent, control of information, and limited individual freedoms.
Geopolitical Machinations
The complex and often secretive interactions between nations, involving diplomacy, alliances, and power struggles. These machinations can have significant impacts on individual lives and societies.
Intergenerational Trauma
The transmission of emotional and psychological wounds from one generation to the next, often as a result of traumatic events. It can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems.
Q&A
What is Ivan's plan to avoid being sent back to the front line?
Ivan fakes a back injury, claiming he needs surgery. He hopes this will give him time to recover and avoid being redeployed.
How does Ivan obtain a fake passport?
Ivan contacts a seller on the dark web who creates a fake passport for him. He then devises a plan to swap the fake passport with his real one at the base's human resources office.
What are some of the challenges Ivan faces while trying to escape Russia?
Ivan faces numerous challenges, including border checks, potential encounters with Russian agents, and the risk of being caught and returned to Russia. He also has to navigate a complex and often corrupt system.
What is the significance of the encounter with Misha Lyosha?
The encounter with Misha Lyosha, a man who may or may not be affiliated with the Russian Embassy, highlights the constant fear and paranoia that deserters face. It also raises questions about the reach of the Russian state and its ability to track down those who flee.
What is the overall message of the podcast?
The podcast explores the complex and often harrowing experiences of Russian soldiers who have deserted the military during the war in Ukraine. It highlights the moral dilemmas they face, the risks they take, and the challenges they encounter in trying to build new lives in exile.
What were the key challenges faced by Ivan in deciding to desert the Russian army?
Ivan faced immense pressure from his superiors, societal expectations, and the fear of repercussions for his actions. He also grappled with the moral implications of participating in a war he opposed.
How did the journalist verify Ivan's story and ensure its accuracy?
The journalist interviewed other service members from Ivan's base to corroborate his experiences, demonstrating a commitment to journalistic integrity and the importance of verifying information.
What are the underlying reasons for the continued support for the war among some Russians?
Fear of reprisal, a desire to maintain a sense of normalcy, and a deep-seated belief in the government's narrative contribute to the continued support for the war among some Russians.
How does the episode illustrate the impact of geopolitical events on individual lives?
The episode highlights the devastating impact of the war on Anna and Ivan's dreams and aspirations, demonstrating how geopolitical machinations can disrupt individual lives and shatter personal goals.
What are the long-term consequences of the war for Sasha, Anna and Ivan's child?
The war has left Sasha with a sense of guilt and uncertainty about his identity, highlighting the intergenerational trauma and the lasting impact of conflict on children.
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.
All five parts of this audio feature can be found here or by searching for “The Deserter” on the NYT Audio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
The text version of the story can be found here.
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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