(KYIV, UKRAINE) – A new documentary by Ukrainian filmmaker Oksana Karpovych uses thousands of intercepted telephone calls from Russian soldiers to offer a stark and unfiltered look at the realities of the war in Ukraine. The film places audio recordings of these conversations alongside images of destruction across the country, creating a detailed portrait of the human consequences of the invasion.
The footage and intercepted audio were collected by the Ukrainian intelligence service, which has monitored calls made by Russian troops to their families from the front line. The conversations reveal a wide range of emotions, from initial confidence shaped by propaganda to deep doubt, fear and disillusionment as the conflict unfolds. Some recordings suggest involvement in looting and other crimes, highlighting the strain and moral collapse some soldiers face during prolonged deployment.
The documentary shows the progression of Russian soldiers’ attitudes. Early calls often reflect a belief in a swift victory and acceptance of official narratives. Over time, a different picture emerges. Troops describe heavy losses, confusion about the purpose of their mission, and growing frustration. References to difficult conditions, inadequate supplies and strained morale appear frequently in the recordings.
Many of the calls are marked by anxiety. Families ask about the safety of their relatives, while soldiers struggle to explain their situation or avoid revealing their exact locations. Some describe encounters with intense fighting, damaged equipment and unpredictable conditions on the ground. Others speak about civilian areas affected by fighting, acknowledging the impact on local people and infrastructure.
The documentary also contrasts the destruction caused by the invasion with scenes of Ukrainians working to preserve a sense of normal life despite the ongoing conflict. Footage shows communities attempting to continue daily routines, even as the war disrupts services and threatens livelihoods.
One of the strongest elements of the film is the juxtaposition of the audio with imagery from affected areas. This combination emphasises what the soldiers’ words often imply, showing damaged homes, ruined businesses and displaced families. The film positions the calls as a reflection on the broader dynamics of aggression and the human cost of decisions made far from the front line.
Critics have described the documentary as an important contribution to understanding the war’s effects on both Ukraine and the soldiers sent to carry out the Russian dictator’s campaign. Its use of authentic audio provides an unusual level of immediacy, offering audiences a rare insight into the personal experiences of those involved in the conflict.
The film has received awards and international recognition for its portrayal of the dehumanising nature of war. The production presents a record of the war told directly through the voices of those participating in it, while situating their words within the wider context of destruction