The Fate of Russia's Soldiers

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BBC Radio 4 - The Fate of Russia's Soldiers

Tim Whewell follows the stories of Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

How can Russian families find their sons who have disappeared fighting in Ukraine?

Most Russians are getting a distorted picture of what Vladimir Putin calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Even the use of the words “war” or “invasion” is prohibited and state-controlled TV does not acknowledge that Russian troops are attacking civilians. Russian soldiers aren't allowed to call home from Ukraine, and the military authorities are tight-lipped, even when their soldiers are taken prisoner. So how can Russian families find out what's become of their sons?   Some search for help through a Ukrainian website, which posts pictures and videos of dead and captured Russian soldiers on the internet. Tim Whewell follows the stories of two Russian families - one from western Russia whose son was taken prisoner in the early days of the war. And one from the very far east whose family worry about how his frame of mind is holding up against the relentless onslaught of anti-Ukrainian propaganda.  

Producers for Radio 4 Monica Whitlock and Arsenii Sokolov

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