DiscoverCurrent Affairs on Player FM‘I took a grenade blast to escape’ - Russian deserters speak to The Times - The Story
‘I took a grenade blast to escape’ - Russian deserters speak to The Times - The Story

‘I took a grenade blast to escape’ - Russian deserters speak to The Times - The Story

Update: 2025-12-08
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When Nikolai’s assault unit was told to advance on a Ukrainian position, he decided he’d rather blow up his own arm than continue to fight. Nikolai and two other former Russian soldiers tell The Times about their harrowing experiences at war– and why they decided to flee. 


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: Jack Clover, assistant foreign news editor, The Times and The Sunday Times. 

Host: Luke Jones.  

Producer: Micaela Arneson. 

Read more: ‘I took a grenade blast to escape’: Russian deserters speak out 

Listen more: A new peace plan, and a critical moment for Zelensky

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


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‘I took a grenade blast to escape’ - Russian deserters speak to The Times - The Story

‘I took a grenade blast to escape’ - Russian deserters speak to The Times - The Story