Reporter's notebook: Visiting a POW camp is the best possible antidote to sympathy for Russian soldiers

A visit to a Ukrainian POW camp reveals the motivations of Russian soldiers who voluntarily enlist to fight in Ukraine. Captured soldiers express a mix of patriotism and financial desperation, highlighting the complexities of their decisions. The article discusses the ongoing recruitment of Russian men, driven by economic needs and a sense of duty, despite the harsh realities of war. The author reflects on the absurdity of sympathy for these soldiers, especially in light of their role in the conflict. The narrative emphasizes the need to understand the human aspect of those fighting on the front lines, while also critiquing external perceptions of the war.