DW: Russian Society 'Fused' with War – Mercenaries, Heroes, and Deserters

Russian society is increasingly "fused" with the war in Ukraine, creating starkly different realities for those involved. Some individuals are finding lucrative opportunities within the conflict, while others are desperately trying to flee military service, potentially facing societal disapproval upon their return.

Igor Shchetko, a former soldier in Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces, recounts his decision to desert after the aggression against Ukraine began, believing he had no other choice. He had signed a two-year contract before the invasion and was influenced by the suicide of a recruit in his unit. After a psychiatric evaluation, he was ordered to join an assault brigade. "When I found out I was supposed to go to the war zone, it was clear to me that I would not participate in the war under any circumstances," Shchetko told DW, subsequently fleeing to Armenia and then the EU.

Human rights activist Sergey Krivenko estimates that around 60,000 Russian soldiers have either left their units or refused to participate in combat operations. This includes not only "classic" desertions but also soldiers hiding within Russia or attempting to obtain medical certificates of unfitness for service. Krivenko reports that over 20,000 criminal cases have been initiated in Russia for absence from duty, desertion, and refusal to fight, with refusal to participate in combat being a criminal offense. Shchetko fears 15 years in prison or deployment to the front lines if extradited to Russia.

Krivenko notes that since 2023, the Russian army has primarily recruited new soldiers through lucrative contracts. However, not all are volunteers; the ranks include prisoners, migrants, debtors, and residents from economically disadvantaged regions seeking financial stability or lacking other opportunities. Simultaneously, the state intensifies paramilitary training in schools and universities through "patriotic" programs. Observers emphasize that the Russian military is not solely composed of conscripts or those driven by financial need; it also includes well-trained and motivated units, as highlighted by a representative of the Russian Volunteer Corps fighting on the Ukrainian side.

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When I found out I was supposed to go to the war zone, it was clear to me that I would not participate in the war under any circumstances.