Table of Contents
In a compelling interview aired by ARTE, journalist Maria Borzunova engages with Yevgeny Korobov, a 30-year-old lieutenant who defected from the Russian armed forces during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This conversation marks the first time Korobov has publicly shared his experiences, detailing his initial motivations and the desperate actions he took to evade further military engagement.
From hopeful enlistment to grim reality
Originating from Krasnoyarsk, Korobov’s military career began with rigorous training and culminated in his participation in the Syrian conflict. He reflects on the initial allure of military service, stating, “Many join with visions of valor and duty, yet are met with chaos, incompetence, and a lack of respect.” As tensions escalated leading up to the invasion of Ukraine, Korobov’s unit was repositioned to the Ukrainian border. He recalls a commanding officer reassuring them that there would be no war, framing the situation as mere posturing. “We were told, ‘By March 8, you’ll all be back home.’” The reality that soon unfolded was starkly different.
Korobov found himself in the throes of battle, tasked with escorting military convoys and scouting supply routes. During a harrowing ambush, he played a crucial role in assisting fellow soldiers to safety. However, this act of bravery was later exaggerated by a colonel for Russian media, casting Korobov as a hero. “The official narrative was far from the truth,” he commented, reflecting on the discrepancies between reality and propaganda.
The painful choice to injure
News of his so-called heroics reached his mother through television broadcasts, painting a picture of valor that belied the truth. Korobov was even nominated for an award and appeared on a popular television show, unaware that he had already sustained a self-inflicted injury. This occurred during a chaotic retreat from Kyiv as the focus shifted toward capturing the Donbas region.
Recalling that fateful day, Korobov explained, “Our UAV team lost a drone near enemy lines, and we were ordered to retrieve it. Rather than risk my life for a piece of equipment, I devised a plan. I fired at my own men, injuring one and myself in the process, as a means to escape the danger. It was a terrifying yet calculated decision.”
Desperation and the quest for freedom
As he was evacuated, Korobov fabricated a story of enemy fire to explain his injuries. After receiving medical treatment, he became increasingly desperate to avoid returning to the front lines. He even considered imprisonment as an alternative but was disheartened to learn that convicts were being recruited for the conflict.
With a sense of urgency, he sought out forged documents through the Darknet, fearing that a potential declaration of martial law would seal his fate. In mid-January, he managed to escape to Kazakhstan, a refuge for those fleeing the turmoil.
Life after desertion
Now residing in Astana, Korobov has witnessed the grim reality of war’s toll on his comrades—many have perished, while others have also fled. Currently, he works as a bartender and is aided by human rights activist Artur Alkhasov in his pursuit of refugee status. Korobov emphasizes the importance of supporting deserters, stating, “By helping someone like me, you contribute to ending the war. Those in the military aren’t always the ones choosing to fight.”
Despite his past actions, Korobov expresses remorse for the lives taken, recognizing the complexities of war. “War distorts humanity, and while those responsible must face consequences, individuals misled or coerced into fighting deserve a chance at redemption.”
In a gesture of solidarity, Korobov has opened his home to other deserters, referring to it as a “mini-shelter.” Among those he hosts is Nikita, another soldier who faced the horrors of battle before fleeing. Nikita’s reflection on his traumatic experiences echoes the sentiments of many who have survived the conflict: “I endured so much pain and suffering, yet I find myself lost with no direction or purpose. What was it all for?”