Drone pilot Luchin responds quickly when SVT News asks in his Telegram channel if he would like to be interviewed.
"Why do you want to interview me? You are the enemy.
It is very difficult to get in touch with Russian soldiers and we want to know how he views the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the upcoming spring offensive.
Opinion polls show that most Russians support the war, but it is difficult to know how the Russian soldiers view the invasion because few want to be interviewed. However, it won't be many minutes before Luchin makes up his mind.
Swears himself free from all responsibility
He is 34 years old, born in the city of Kaluga in central Russia and has lived in Moscow in recent years. Last year, he travelled to the occupied territories of Ukraine to, as he himself says, defend his homeland.
Luchin's worldview is a reflection of what the Russian state conveys to its citizens. He belongs to the majority who watch state news outlets and do not access independent sources of information. According to Luchin, the war in Ukarina is about Russia's survival. And everything that goes on is everyone's fault, except Russia's.
Do you see your responsibility in the fact that civilians are dying in Ukraine?
–No. It is a responsibility that lies entirely with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Government of Ukraine," Luchin said.
Predicts spring offensive within two months
The Russian soldier believes that the war is entering a new phase. According to him, the upcoming spring offensive will start within two months.
"The attackers will be annihilated and after that we will attack. I think it will be the beginning of an end for Ukraine as a nation and for the war as a whole," he said.
That the Russian defense lines are prepared for attack is confirmed by both satellite images and experts. Hear Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lidén explain the obstacles the Ukrainian forces may face in the clip below.
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The Russian defense lines are prepared for attack. Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lidén explains the obstacles the Ukrainian forces may face. Photo: SVT/TT/AP