I visited 4 different POW jails in Ukraine & interviewed soldiers from both sides who took part in the battles I describe. I reviewed video footage & audio intercepts. I’m lucky to work for a paper willing to finance such work, and talented photographers like Sasha Maslov www.wsj.com/world/europe...

Russia is able to continue this war because thousands of men like Simdyankin are willing to fight in it - without any real sese of what they’re fighting for. I have spoken to dozens of Russian POWs in Ukrainian captivity - his story is far from unusual

Mikhail Simdyankin was living a middle-class life in Russia’s cultural capital when he enlisted for money in August 2024. He was swayed by TV propaganda and had no clue about life on the frontlines - until he learned first-hand how little a Russian soldier’s life is worth.

Putin’s response to a ceasefire offer: don military fatigues, head to embattled Kursk region and announce Russia will keep fighting till Ukraine is ousted from its land.

Pretty clear message about what he thinks of Zelensky’s overture

Trying to access Truth Social from Kyiv

The line about Zelensky’s illegitimacy has been a core element of Putin’s narrative on Ukraine for months