Interview with Shamil Lukozhev
Shamil Lukozhev, a member of the 'Freedom of Russia' Legion, told Glavkom in an interview that for most Russian troops, the war in Ukraine ends either in death or capture. He detailed low salaries, unpaid promised bonuses, and his own journey to switching sides. Originally from Ossetia, Lukozhev signed a contract with the Russian army in 2021 due to poor conditions in civilian employment.
In early 2022, Lukozhev’s unit was deployed to Crimea under the pretense of training exercises. However, just before the full-scale invasion, the soldiers learned they would take part in an offensive against Ukraine. Even before the invasion began, Lukozhev decided not to fight Ukrainians and made his own way to Ukrainian territorial defense forces. He requested a transfer to the 'Freedom of Russia' Legion, which was formed in March 2022 from former Russian servicemen and volunteers to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression.
The Plight of Russian Soldiers
Lukozhev asserts that those who sign contracts with the Russian military are essentially signing up for death or capture.
“Capture is the best-case scenario, but not everyone is lucky enough to end up there. So in most cases, it’s death,” he stated.According to him, Russian soldiers hope for quick payouts but in reality receive no money.
“Prisoners say they aren’t paid. For example, 200,000 rubles come in, but the commander takes 190,000 for himself,” Lukozhev added.
The 'Freedom of Russia' Legion is part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and operates within the International Legion of the GUR under the Ministry of Defense. Lukozhev also shared his perspective on life in the Legion: “A lot depends on the team. It keeps you from dwelling on negative thoughts or fatigue. We share experience, repair vehicles, work with drones—there’s no shortage of things to do.” He noted that despite exhaustion, fighters continue to uphold their choice and try to stay positive, saying: “Think less about the bad, smile more.”
Lukozhev’s remarks highlight the grim situation faced by Russian soldiers involved in the war in Ukraine. Low wages and unpaid salaries may lead to desertion and defections to Ukrainian forces. The formation of the 'Freedom of Russia' Legion also signals growing discontent among Russian troops, which could affect the overall dynamics of the conflict.
In light of Lukozhev's insights, it's crucial to understand how the recruitment and operations of the 'Freedom of Russia' Legion unfold within Russia. This context sheds light on the broader implications of their actions and the motivations behind their fight against the Russian military, offering a deeper perspective on the ongoing conflict.