Betala eller dö – den grymma verkligheten för Putins soldater

·25 min·2 clips

A Russian deserter reveals commanders call new soldiers cannon fodder, with only 5% surviving unless they pay huge bribes.

The episode begins by setting the context of a deadly Easter weekend in Ukraine, with Russia escalating attacks during daytime to terrorize civilians and test air defenses. Correspondent Lubna Elshanti describes new security measures on Ukrainian trains, where passengers are instructed to lie down and open their mouths lightly to protect against brain shock from explosions. Analyst Fredrik Wadström explains that Russia's strategy aims to bypass Ukrainian defenses and disrupt daily life, making shelters a part of everyday reality. The discussion then shifts to the front lines, where testimonials from Russian deserters, reported by The Economist, reveal commanders labeling soldiers as cannon fodder and survival depending on bribes, such as one soldier paying 1 million rubles to avoid a suicide mission. Jakob Hedenskog analyzes how money determines life or death in a corrupt system, while Fredrik connects this to broader societal corruption in Russia, where bribes flow upward in hierarchies. The episode explores historical parallels, noting Stalin's tactics in World War II and how Russia's fixation on that victory influences current military brutality. It details cases of soldiers being tortured or killed by their own for refusing orders, with little punishment for commanders. In contrast, Lubna explains that Ukrainian soldiers face formal penalties for desertion but not informal brutality, as the army values its personnel. The focus then turns to Hungary's election, where leaked phone calls between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjártó show Russia seeking favors, such as removing a billionaire's sister from EU sanctions. Jakob discusses Russia's sophisticated campaign to influence the election, including cyber activities and social media manipulation to support Viktor Orbán. Fredrik highlights Russia's strategic interest in maintaining Orbán's pro-Russian stance within the EU to block aid to Ukraine. The episode concludes with 'Kremlology' segments: Lubna notes Ukraine's diplomatic outreach to countries like Syria, Jakob observes Putin's increasing isolation and internal circle, and Fredrik shares an anecdote about a Russian figure skater denied luxury purchases due to sanctions, revealing ongoing economic impacts. The hosts summarize key points and tease future episodes.

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