The man used to be a miner. However, he has not worked in this profession for a long time. Since 2006, he has been convicted three times for drug trafficking. Last time, he was released just in 2021.

Taking part in the war in Ukraine was an opportunity for him to make some extra money. As soon as the full-scale invasion started, he called the military enlistment office and soon signed a contract as a volunteer.

‘I became a volunteer for monetary reasons. So that I could get myself new teeth, at least some. How can you fix your teeth, if there’s no work anywhere, nothing... And for 15 rubles, you can’t get your teeth fixed anywhere... I decided and just served,’ the invader says.

They were given some ammunition and equipment but did not get military training. At some point, his squad was sent to battle and was instructed to gain foothold at a position.

The ‘volunteer’ failed the task, but unlike his five comrades who died in front of him, he survived. At least, now he understands that he was used as cannon fodder.

Currently, together with other captives, he is testifying to SSU investigators.