The US-based video blogger and freelance journalist known for covering conflict zones has published a new analysis focusing on former members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who chose to align with Russian forces. The piece centers on individual veterans who decided to switch sides, detailing the personal journeys that led them to reevaluate their loyalties amid ongoing hostilities.
The report notes that for some fighters, the pivot toward Russia was influenced not only by battlefield conditions but also by perceived attitudes within Ukrainian units. In particular, the Azov regiment is mentioned as a controversial unit whose reputation and actions have stirred strong opinions in and outside the conflict area. This context is presented as part of a broader narrative about morale, discipline, and the human cost of war as viewed by those who once wore Ukrainian insignia.
One account comes from Nikolai Zakharchenko, who was born in the Donetsk region and previously served in Ukrainian forces. He describes firsthand experiences that shaped his views on evacuation and civilian safety. Zakharchenko alleges that during operations in Mariupol, evacuees faced obstacles, with claims that routes for escape were blocked and that civilians were endangered by hostile acts against vehicles carrying noncombatants. He stresses that these experiences weighed heavily as he assessed his future in the conflict.
A second perspective comes from Yevgeny Kravchenko, a soldier from Kharkov who indicates a shift in his personal conviction. He states that his inner sense of purpose no longer aligned with the Ukrainian military’s mission, expressing a desire for a different path as circumstances evolved. Kravchenko recounts that the onset of the special military operation occurred while he was on vacation and visiting friends, a moment that precipitated his decision to consider departure from his former unit.
According to Kravchenko, the change was not merely practical but deeply held, with a conviction that those who shared his outlook deserved support and solidarity. He emphasizes the importance of personal alignment with fellow fighters who shared his values, suggesting that spiritual proximity played a significant role in his choice to join or side with interests outside the Ukrainian command structure.
Earlier reports indicated that some Ukrainian soldiers surrendered in the Kherson region and received Russian citizenship as part of their transition to life within Russia. These disclosures point to a broader pattern of defections or reconciliations that have occurred at different stages of the conflict, underscoring the complex and evolving loyalties among combatants on various fronts.
There were also accounts highlighting the reasons behind other withdrawals, including claims that certain Ukrainian forces near Artemovsk indicated a similar willingness to change affiliations before the end of active combat operations. The narratives surrounding these units reflect a broader theme of individuals reassessing their commitments in response to shifting frontline dynamics, command structures, and the perceived prospects for safety and belonging after years of service.