Mikhail Luchin is a drone pilot at the front outside Russian-occupied Donetsk, near the ruined city of Marinka.
In this article, you'll hear four of Luchin's claims about the war, followed by comments from Sundstrom.
"It's all America's fault"
When SVT confronts Luchin with how he can support Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, he says that no war is legal. He claims that the West has a double standard, that "we" don't care about conflicts the U.S. is involved in — while we are quick to condemn Russia.
Javascript is disabled
Javascript must be turned on to play video
Learn more about browser support
How long has Russia been spreading the idea that everything bad that happens in the world is America's fault? Hear Bert Sundström explain. Photo: TT
"A war against NATO"
According to Luchin, the war against Ukraine is in fact a war against the defense alliance NATO, which is expanding and wants to get closer to Russia.
"This is not true. It is not a war that NATO is waging against Russia, it is a war that Russia is waging against Ukraine. Then democracies in the West have decided to stand up for Ukraine in defense against Russia, says Bert Sundström.
Javascript is disabled
Javascript must be turned on to play video
Learn more about browser support
The Russian soldier is convinced that he is not waging a war against Ukraine. Hear his reasoning in the clip. Photo: TT
"Western leaders are gay"
The interview takes an unexpected turn. Mikhail Luchin argues that the West's leaders consist of homosexuals and childless individuals. Therefore, it is natural for the West to be aggressive towards Russia, because it has nothing to lose anyway. According to him, Russia is being forced into a corner, and in the worst case may be forced to respond with nuclear weapons.
"When you hear this, you don't know whether to laugh or cry, it's so crazy that it's not true," says Bert Sundström.
Javascript is disabled
Javascript must be turned on to play video
Learn more about browser support
Bert Sundström explains why the soldier and many in Russia believe that everyone in Europe is gay. Photo: TT
"Putin is doing everything right"
The majority of Russian citizens believe the propaganda that is constantly fed out by state-controlled media – the only thing that is allowed to exist freely in today's Russia. Soldier Luchin is no exception.
Javascript is disabled
Javascript must be turned on to play video
Learn more about browser support
The Russian soldier does what the majority in Russia does – raises Putin to the skies. Hear Bert Sundström explain why. Photo: TT