In this video, I, Patrick Lancaster, delve into the Ukraine-Russia conflict, presenting a perspective often missing from Western media. I speak with former Ukrainian soldiers who defected to fight alongside Russian forces. Through their stories, training, and views on the war, they share motivations that challenge mainstream narratives. My goal is to provide an unfiltered look at their reasons for switching sides and what they believe they’re fighting for.
SUPPORT MY JOURNALISM: [ Ссылка ]
1. The Defectors
These defectors come from places like Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, and Donetsk, with backgrounds in the Ukrainian military. Disillusioned by a government they see as corrupt and heavily influenced by the West, they describe Ukraine’s leadership as abandoning traditional values and fostering division. For them, this conflict is a destructive war between “brotherly peoples,” and they believe joining Russian forces is the only path to peace.
2. Training & Preparation
At a Russian training ground, I capture their drills, live-fire exercises, and tactical maneuvers with heavy weapons like machine guns and grenade launchers. The constant threat of air alerts reminds us all of the danger—at one point, we dive for cover from a missile warning. This isn’t just practice; it’s intense and very real.
3. Personal Accounts of Disillusionment
The defectors describe feeling unsupported in the Ukrainian military, with poor conditions, forced conscriptions, and inadequate resources. One tells me of how his unit was shelled by Ukrainian forces who mistook them for the enemy. Many feel abandoned by their commanders and believe Ukrainian policies serve Western interests over unity with Russia.
4. Independent Journalism Perspective
I’m here to provide a viewpoint rarely seen. My reporting is crowdfunded to stay unfiltered and independent. I want viewers to question dominant narratives, seek alternative perspectives, and form their own conclusions about the conflict.
5. Final Message
No matter where you stand, understanding both sides is essential. I encourage you to educate yourself, think critically, and avoid letting any single source shape your views. Only through open-mindedness can we begin to grasp the complexities of this conflict.
Insights from Defectors’ Stories
These soldiers have unique reasons for defecting, often tied to disillusionment, ideology, and hope for peace:

Disillusionment with the Government

They see Ukraine’s “Kyiv regime” as abandoning its people’s interests for Western agendas. One defector describes how Ukraine is “rewriting history” and erasing cultural values, while another criticizes the leadership for ignoring agreements under foreign pressure, which he sees as a betrayal.

Russia

These defectors don’t view Russians as enemies. Instead, they see the conflict as “artificial,” driven by political motives that divide Slavic peoples. One soldier tells me he sees it as a civil war, fueled by corruption, rather than a genuine national struggle.
Military Conditions and Abandonment

Defectors describe long, unsupported deployments and a sense of being treated as disposable. One surrendered to Russian forces, feeling abandoned by commanders. Their stories paint a stark picture of life on the front lines.
Betrayal and Trauma

Many defectors recount intense stories of betrayal. One soldier describes being shelled by Ukrainian forces in a case of mistaken identity. Injured, he thought he’d die, but Russian soldiers saved him. Such experiences have left deep scars and fueled their desire for change.
Protection of Civilians

Some defectors see their role as defending civilians from what they view as aggressive policies by the Ukrainian government. One soldier, known as “Historian,” recalls evacuating civilians under artillery fire and questions the morality of Ukrainian forces targeting their own people. For him, his fight is about protection, not aggression.
Hope for Peace

These defectors view their choice as a step toward ending the war and achieving unity. They stress they are “fighting with Russia, not for Russia,” and aim to create a future where Ukraine and Russia can coexist. They believe removing Ukraine’s current leadership is essential for fostering peace.
Personal and Familial Risks

Their choices come with high stakes. Many have family in Ukraine who could face consequences. Some wear masks to protect their identities, fearing reprisals. One soldier hopes his family won’t suffer for his actions, illustrating the personal and profound risks they face.
Conclusion
These defectors see themselves as individuals forced to make tough choices, driven by disillusionment, concern for their families, and a desire to end the conflict. They view their actions not as betrayal but as loyalty to Ukraine’s true interests, seeking unity with Russia and opposing foreign-imposed divisions. Through their stories, I aim to show the human side of this complex war, beyond the headlines.

свернуть