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War is no laughing matter — unless, of course, you’re trying to make sense of Russian soldiers’ experiences in Ukraine. Then, you find yourself in the strange position of wondering whether this is a military invasion or the world’s worst-planned road trip.
When Russian troops first entered Ukraine, many thought they were part of a training exercise. Imagine their surprise when they suddenly found out they were, in fact, in a real war. Some of them didn’t even realize they had left Russia. It was like being told you’re going to summer camp but realizing, upon arrival, that you’re actually in The Hunger Games.
So, what do Russian soldiers say about the war? Well, if you listen closely, their comments range from “Wait, why are we here?” to “How did that Ukrainian grandmother just take down our drone with a jar of pickles?”
“We Thought It Would Be Over in Three Days”
One of the most common lines Russian soldiers have expressed is the belief that this war was supposed to be a quick, easy victory. They were told that Ukrainians would greet them with flowers, bread, and gratitude. Instead, they were welcomed with Molotov cocktails, middle fingers, and the sight of their tanks being towed away by Ukrainian farmers.
