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.