A newly released documentary, Russians at War, directed by Anastasia Trofimova, has come under intense scrutiny for what critics say is an attempt to whitewash the actions of Russian soldiers involved in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, explores the daily lives of Russian soldiers near the Ukrainian frontlines but has been accused of distorting the harsh realities of the war and omitting key context about Moscow’s role in the destruction in Ukraine.
Trofimova, a Russian-Canadian filmmaker, spent seven months embedded with a Russian army battalion in eastern Ukraine, capturing the experiences of young soldiers. The documentary portrays them grappling with the purpose of their mission, with some admitting confusion about why they are fighting. “I don’t even know what we’re fighting for,” one soldier says, a sentiment echoed by others in the film.
However, the film has faced sharp backlash for its portrayal of these soldiers in a sympathetic light, omitting significant discussion of the larger scale of the war and Russia’s actions.
Portrayal of Soldiers
In Russians at War, Trofimova presents the soldiers as ordinary individuals, caught in a war that many seem to neither fully understand nor agree with. Their motivations to join the conflict range from financial incentives to a sense of camaraderie. However, critics argue that by focusing on the personal struggles of the soldiers without placing their actions in the wider context of the invasion, the film risks presenting a one-sided narrative.
The film avoids delving into the widespread devastation caused by Russia’s military actions since its invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Since the start of the war, Russian forces have repeatedly targeted civilian sites, with multiple investigations, including from the United Nations, documenting war crimes such as indiscriminate attacks, sexual violence, and the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. These atrocities are largely absent from Trofimova’s depiction, leading to accusations that the film downplays the severity of the war and the role Russian forces have played in its escalation.
Criticism from the Ukrainian Community
The backlash from Ukraine’s artistic community has been swift. Darya Bassel, a Ukrainian producer whose own documentary, Songs of Slow Burning Earth, also premiered at the Venice Festival, was among the most vocal critics. In a statement following a screening of Russians at War, Bassel condemned the film for presenting a “distorted picture of reality” and promoting “false narratives.” She pointed out that Trofimova’s claim of not witnessing any war crimes during her time with the Russian soldiers was not reflective of the broader experience of Ukrainians, who have suffered immensely as a result of Russian military actions.
“We can only be happy for her [Trofimova] that she was fortunate enough not to witness any war crimes. Unfortunately, thousands of Ukrainians have not been so lucky,” Bassel remarked.
Ethical Questions Surrounding the Documentary
The release of Russians at War has sparked broader questions about the ethics of documenting war, especially from within the ranks of an invading army. Russia has largely restricted independent journalistic access to its military operations, only occasionally allowing select journalists to participate in tightly controlled press tours. This raises concerns about the impartiality of reporting from Russian-occupied areas, particularly when compared to the more open access granted to foreign reporters in Ukraine.
Trofimova defended her decision to make the film, arguing that it was necessary to provide a human face to the Russian soldiers involved in the conflict. “The point of view of Russian soldiers is not usually heard,” she said, emphasising the importance of understanding the war from multiple perspectives. She framed the documentary as an attempt to cut through the “fog of war” and expose the tragedy that war brings to all sides, beyond political narratives and propaganda.
However, for many Ukrainian cultural figures, this defence falls short. They argue that while it is important to acknowledge the humanity of individuals involved in war, this cannot be done in a way that ignores their active role in perpetuating violence. The documentary’s failure to address the fact that many of these soldiers willingly joined an invasion force has drawn particular ire. As Bassel pointed out, “It is important to remember that these individuals joined the army that invaded an independent country, many of them willingly. Are their crimes any less significant simply because they claim to be unaware of why they are involved in this war?”
Image: screenshot from “Russians at War” documentary
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