In Ukraine, a few months ago, a new battalion was formed within the army, with a particularity: it is made up entirely of Russian citizens, in opposition to the Moscow regime. Once they arrive in Ukraine, these Russians are subjected to scrutiny by Ukrainian intelligence services and then sent for training.
We are not far from kyiv , in a military base where new recruits are trained. Around twenty men, all from Russia. They are part of the Siberian battalion, the only formation in which the Russians are officially integrated into the Ukrainian army.
“First of all, yes, all Ukrainian territory must be liberated! Second, the Russian regime must cease to exist. » : These words are those of Perun (code name meaning “lightning” in Ukrainian), he is originally from Moscow.
The 32-year-old civil engineer left Russia at the start of the large-scale invasion in February 2022. Via third countries, he managed to reach Ukraine where, after several months of selection by the intelligence services , was found fit for service .
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His motivations are political, but also personal. “I was already in Ukraine in 2013 and since then I have loved this country with all my heart “, said. “At that time, the Donetsk region was not yet occupied, and I started a relationship with a Ukrainian woman, we have been together for seven years, so we can say that I have a very warm relationship with this country! “, he emphasizes.
“I can’t help but trust them.”
Although the presence of Russian soldiers in the Army is greeted with caution by the population, Batya, its Ukrainian commander, explains that he has full confidence in his men: “I spend a lot of time with them in training and I can’t help but trust them. “, Explain.
“We go into battle together, I couldn’t fight with them if that wasn’t the case (…) Our lives are on the front line, we are brothers in arms and, as such, we trust each other 100% “.
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The youngest soldier, Maliy, 22, comes from Bashkortostan, between the Urals and the Volga. He also says he is in full solidarity with the Ukrainians: “Any war is terrible, and especially when two loved ones start fighting, it’s a massacre. Imagine that a friend, out of nowhere, comes to pillage your country for several years, sends troops there and not only begins to occupy the country, but also kills civilians, pillages, rapes, all to create chaos. This is what I think of this war: it must stop as quickly as possible, of course! he exclaims.
Maliy testifies in the hope that his example will inspire other Russians to fight alongside the Ukrainians. So far, around a hundred men have been integrated into the Siberian battalion, but according to kyiv, many other Russian candidates are waiting to be qualified.
Source: Latercera
I am Robert Harris and I specialize in news media. My experience has been focused on sports journalism, particularly within the Rugby sector. I have written for various news websites in the past and currently work as an author for Athletistic, covering all things related to Rugby news.
