Ukraine’s Kyrylo Budanov discussed his talks with Russian prisoners in an interview with The Economist’s editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes on Sept. 17.
“During interrogations, I find that many prisoners say they are fighting for Russia’s greatness, but most admit they’re motivated by money,” Budanov said.
He stressed that Ukrainians are fighting for their land, people, and future.
The motivation of Russian soldiers and the price of their participation in the war
In March, Admiral Rob Bauer, head of the NATO Military Committee, said at the Kyiv Security Forum that Russian troops lacked clarity about their mission.
Forbes reported on Aug. 7 that Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s HUR, noted problems with Russian mobilization, including a significant drop in volunteer numbers and increased cash incentives for enlistment.
Political scientist Ivan Preobrazhenskyi told NV on Aug. 12 that the cost of a Russian soldier now exceeds that of a U.S. soldier, a strain Russia may not sustain long-term.
Western intelligence estimates, according to the WSJ, place Russian casualties at nearly 200,000 dead and around 400,000 wounded.
““During interrogations, I find that many prisoners say they are fighting for Russia’s greatness, but most admit they’re motivated by money,” Budanov said.”
The majority are nothing but mercenaries hired to kill Ukrainians, while the rest are fighting for something that russia has never had, or ever will.
“Political scientist Ivan Preobrazhenskyi told NV on Aug. 12 that the cost of a Russian soldier now exceeds that of a U.S. soldier, a strain Russia may not sustain long-term.”
A large portion of mafia land’s wealth is being burned in this senseless war. No, it’s not sustainable at all.