From Party Gold to American Exile
Anton Milayev, a 45-year-old man raised as the adopted grandson of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev's daughter Galina, was taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces following a failed assault near Kherson. Having lived in New York for 19 years, Milayev signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry in early 2025 to cover a debt of one million rubles. He expected to serve as a driver but was instead deployed to the front lines, where his life took a drastic turn.
Galina Brezhneva, who married circus performer Yevgeny Milayev in 1951, left a notable mark on history. Anton emigrated to the United States in 1995, working in construction, the merchant marine, and as a taxi driver. After returning to Moscow, he drove a truck for a salary of around 100,000 rubles. However, he faced serious financial troubles, including a legal dispute over a share of an apartment valued at 30 million rubles.
A Million-Ruble Debt and a Fateful Contract
Milayev owed roughly one million rubles, which drove his decision to sign up with the Russian military. The contract, inked in early 2025 in Kostroma, offered a payout of 1.4 million rubles. He reflected on his choice:
“I needed to pay off the debt... about a million rubles... I thought it over. Honestly, I never planned to be an assault soldier... I figured I'd end up as a driver too...”
His three-week training took place in the village of Pysky in the Luhansk region, but the reality at the front was entirely different. Only about 20 soldiers remained from his entire brigade.
First Battle and Surrender
During his first combat mission, Milayev came under artillery fire. Ukrainian drones spotted him near a destroyed bridge, leading to his capture after the botched assault attempt. This tragic outcome stemmed from his effort to improve his finances, ultimately resulting in a radical upheaval of his life.
This story highlights the devastating consequences of personal financial struggles amid Ukraine's ongoing war. Military contracts signed by indebted individuals often lead to perilous situations with severe repercussions for life and health. Milayev's case also underscores the complex and ambiguous choices facing many in similar circumstances.