18-year-old Russian named Budanov surrendered and joined the Freedom Legion of Russia.

According to ТСН: 18-year-old Nikita Budanov from Kostroma surrendered to Ukrainian forces, sharing a surname with the head of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.

Nikita mentioned that he had been interested in politics since he was 13 and often questioned why people in other countries live better than in his hometown, which is plagued by dirt and ruins.

After the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, he decided to stand with the Ukrainians. To do this, he signed a contract and surrendered during his second combat mission, joining the 'Freedom of Russia' Legion.

Impressions and Circumstances

A serviceman with the call sign 'Horse' noted that he had heard about his famous namesake.

‘As soon as I was accepted into the Legion, many were surprised if my surname was indeed such,’

Nikita reported that his father, Serhiy, fought in Chechnya and worked in the police, calling him a 'patriot' of Russia.

‘My father said he would curse me if I sided with Ukraine. My mother will most likely also reject me as she works in the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kostroma,’

The boy was inspired by the example of another 18-year-old volunteer with the call sign 'Zaza'. Initially, he planned to reach Ukraine through Moldova, but was deported due to lack of funds. Therefore, Nikita decided to sign a contract with the Russian army and switch sides on the battlefield, aware of the risks.

Impressions of Service

During a combat mission in the Kursk region, he took advantage of the moment when it started to rain to come out with his hands raised and surrender.

‘I thought if I went out alone with my hands raised, maybe they'd accept me, or maybe they'd kill me. Either the Russians or the Ukrainians,’

According to him, the Russian command treats soldiers like 'cattle for slaughter'. He emphasized:

‘They treated us like cattle. Like slaughter cattle. They didn’t build illusions for us and immediately told us there would be many '200s' and many '300s'. We were beaten and insulted,’

Moreover, he recalls that Russian soldiers often consume alcohol during training and at combat positions.

After the war, Nikita plans to stay in Ukraine, move to Odesa, and become a shipbuilder.

It should be noted that the commander of the 'Russian Volunteer Corps' Denis Kapustin (Nikitin) was killed at the front in Ukraine.

It was also previously reported that a citizen of Iraq fell into captivity of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This story of Nikita Budanov is a vivid example of how changes in the political situation can affect the youth in Russia. Many young people find themselves faced with the choice between personal beliefs and the pressure of family or society. His decision to side with Ukraine speaks to the search for a better life and stability in difficult times.

The situation in Ukraine and at the front remains tense, and similar stories may serve as a catalyst for greater political awareness among the youth in Russia, who are seeking new opportunities for themselves beyond the tragic traditions of wars.