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The Russian Officer Secretly Working for Ukraine
06 November 2026

The Russian Officer Secretly Working for Ukraine

The Journal.

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Lev Stupnikov was an officer in Russia when he decided to do the unthinkable: sabotage his own military and defect over the border to Ukraine. WSJ’s Matthew Luxmoore takes us inside Stupnikov’s harrowing journey from young Russian military cadet to high-profile asset for Ukraine and what it reveals about the state of the war. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump Turns on Ukraine

- An Exclusive Interview With Ukraine’s President Zelensky

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