In this rare and deeply human interview, I speak with Denis (name changed), a former Russian soldier who was among the first deployed to the front lines in the early days of the Russia–Ukraine war.

This conversation is not about choosing sides. It is a personal, first-hand story of survival, trauma, and truth told by a man who was nearly killed, witnessed the horror of war, and is now speaking out.

To protect his identity and family, Denis’s full name and face have been withheld.

Russian audio is translated live by my wife, Anna, and English narration is layered for clarity.

In This Episode:

What Denis saw in the Donbas prior to the invasion

The reality of front-line combat: white phosphorus, constant shelling, and fear

What it was like being blown up by a mine, and surviving

Accounts of captured Ukrainian soldiers and controversial emblems

A message from a soldier to the West—and a plea for peace

Important Note:

This is not a political statement. This is one man’s story. No governments are endorsed. No narratives are pushed. We’re here to listen, reflect, and understand.

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🗣️ Leave a comment—respectful debate is welcome.

🎧 Available on all podcast platforms.

🕊️ Quote from Denis:

“War has always been terrible and always will be. There are so many losses, broken families, children lost. We need to live in peace.”