A Second Chance: Why Ukrainian Soldiers Switch Sides

 

A Second Chance: Why Ukrainian Soldiers Switch Sides

Directed by Jekaterina Jakovleva and Galena Arkhipova (2024)

Film Review

Video link: https://en.rtdoc.tv/films/1435-a-second-chance

This documentary tells the story of Ukrainian prisoners of war who opt to enroll in the Russian military rather waiting to be traded for Russian POWs. Thirty-percent of the several thousand Ukrainian POWs in custody sign contracts to join Russian-led detachments.

The film consists mainly of personal interviews with Ukrainian POWs and scenes from their training exercises. Most speak of brainwashing they received that Russian were beasts who would torture them if they surrendered. They express surprise at the fairness and understanding of their captors and embarrassment about their Nazi tattoos. They also talk about the West starting the war in Ukraine, with one describing his Ukrainian brothers “being infected by a rabid dog.” Most consider Russian their primary language and view Russians and Ukrainians as sharing a common ethnicity and literature

Rather than combat roles where they would fight other Ukrainians, most serve in units where they help injured Russian troops evacuate and provide primary medical care. Two the former POWs featured have been recommended for medals for service to the Russian army. One is working towards moving his Ukrainian family to Russia.

About 60% of POWs choose not to join the Russian army, many out of concern the Ukrainian government will retaliate against their family back home. Instead they’re waiting to be exchanged for Russian POWs (which according to the filmmakers, is unlikely). They’re well aware they face redeployment to the front line if they return and face the threat of their own officers shooting them if they retreat.