Alkhashtov on War, Law, and Desertion | The Desertion Podcast #5
We recorded this conversation for almost four hours.
There's no pre-written script, no canned answers, and no desire to please everyone. We talk about the Russian army, war, desertion, propaganda, life after fleeing Russia, and why people make life-changing decisions.
We're not trying to convince you we're right. We're exploring our own experiences, debating, questioning, and trying to understand how the system that sends people to war works and what happens to those who refuse to participate.
00:00 — What is this podcast about?
00:26 — A student, a summons, and a contract: what to do?
07:30 — When does personal responsibility arise?
15:20 — What is desertion and when is it justified?
23:10 — Why you can't justify yourself with an order
31:45 — War crimes: where is the line drawn?
41:20 — International humanitarian law in simple terms
50:40 — The Geneva Conventions and the protection of civilians
01:00:15 — How international courts work
01:10:20 — Why the UN can't stop war
01:20:45 — Veto power and great power politics
01:30:35 — The Russian army, mobilization, and the responsibility of commanders
01:40:15 — What awaits war veterans after it ends
01:50:30 — Key takeaways from the conversation
01:56:52 — End of episode