Déserteurs, guerre et caviar - les enfants de Poutine, Kim & Co. | Tracks East | ARTE

Overview

The video examines how Russia’s political elites—especially Vladimir Putin’s inner circle—are insulated from the war in Ukraine, while ordinary Russians and lower-class families bear the costs.

1) “Kremlin propaganda” vs. elite immunity: Putin, Kim, and other dictators’ children

• The presenter frames the issue as a question of what it means to grow up as a dictator’s child, contrasting private/political privilege with public war rhetoric.
• The video argues that the children of high-ranking officials spend less time on the front lines than on protected roles—such as positions tied to state resources, ceremonies, or political capital.
• Core claim: elites avoid sacrifice. While working-class men are sent to fight, sons and daughters of political elites can rely on connections rather than face mobilization.

2) Calls for mobilization answers—sons of elites reportedly avoid combat

• During Russia’s general mobilization, opponents (referenced via a YouTube channel) reportedly questioned elite insiders’ sons about when they would go to the front.
• Subtitles include quoted replies attributed to:
  • Alex Mishustin (Prime Minister’s son), saying he is “not ready to fight yet.”
  • Nicol Peskov (Dmitry Peskov’s son), claiming the situation is inaccurate and that he would handle matters “on another level.”
• The video contrasts these claims with alleged consequences for those who try to flee, describing imprisonment and torture as real risks.

3) First-hand testimony: deserters describe coercion, traps, and torture

The video presents accounts from people who deserted:

“Alexandre” (27-year-old former officer)

• Describes mobilization/war beginning for him when vehicles crossed into Ukraine without clear announcements.
• Says his role was as a radio operator/liaison rather than frontline assault.
• Describes the shift from confusion and danger to realizing he fundamentally disagreed and could not leave “legally” except through injury or desertion.
• Says he left via Kazakhstan and obtained humanitarian documents through a third country.
• Mentions participating in a deserter-support project, including an “action” described as setting fire to a symbolic military uniform.
• Alleges the existence of “accommodation centers” for soldiers deemed unfit or suspected of desertion, describing:
  • Torture (electrocution, cold-water dousing)
  • Simulated executions
  • Physical and sexual violence
  • Mass-grave-like conditions and forced “rehabilitation” framed as punishment

“Georg Avaliani”

• Claims he was mobilized despite advanced education and family life.
• Says he personally saw many refuse mobilization.
• Claims helicopter surveillance and live fire were used to stop escape attempts.
• Says he refused retaliation even if shot at during his escape.
• Describes his family’s reaction as largely condemning him as a traitor, though he claims pride in deserting as resistance.

4) Financial incentives and propaganda as motivators for those who go to war

• The video argues that many Russians’ motivations for enlistment include:
  • Propaganda
  • Money—claimed as more than €30,000 for a signature, enough to attract recruits
• It reiterates the central claim: elites do not need that money and can avoid mobilization through influence.

5) Chechnya/Kadyrov example: public displays of sons vs. private protection

• The video highlights Chechnya under Ramzan Kadyrov:
  • Claims Kadyrov promoted his sons publicly with front-near tours and decorations.
  • Presents Adame Kadyrov as a media/internet meme due to his decorations and political prominence despite age.
• Reinforces the theme that elites— including regional rulers aligned with the Kremlin—can turn war participation into spectacle rather than shared risk.

6) U.S./Serbia segment: “Trump Hotel” and alleged conflict of interest and legal manipulation

The video shifts to Serbia and discusses controversy around a Trump hotel project in Belgrade:

• The project is said to be built where NATO bombed the former Yugoslav Army headquarters in 1999.
• Activists argue the Serbian government altered the building’s protected status to enable construction, allegedly using forged documents and without proper consultation.
• The video frames this as:
  • A potential conflict of interest involving Jared Kushner (Trump’s son-in-law) and possible U.S. political decisions benefiting the Trump organization
  • An ethical dispute over cultural remembrance and demolition of a historical site

Student/heritage-defender perspective

• They say the site’s status can only be removed if the site is destroyed, but the building still stands.
• They call for legal defense and public awareness of citizens’ rights.

Media and investigation references

• Notes international coverage (including opposition outlets) reportedly linked student protests to pressure related to Kushner’s project.
• Also mentions an investigation by Serbian authorities.

7) Putin family: wealth, influence, and alleged involvement in state affairs

Returning to Russia, the video argues Putin’s family is extremely wealthy and politically connected:

• It says Putin rarely discusses children/grandchildren publicly, despite investigative reporting.
• Identifies:
  • Two daughters from a previous marriage: Maria and Caterina
• Claims about Maria:
  • That she returned after 2014
  • That she sits on a National Council for Genetic Technologies
  • That grants tied to research are framed as promoting health/longevity
• Claims about Caterina:
  • That she managed a foundation connected to new technologies
  • That she promotes “technological sovereignty”

Allegation of a third daughter

• Introduces an allegation of a third, “illegitimate” daughter:
  • Elisabeth, allegedly known via the masked social-media persona “Louisa Rosova”

• A journalist testimony claims her identity as Elizabeth Krivonogir, describing her lifestyle and media presence, and stating that contact disappeared after the war began.

• Overall argument: lifestyle and power are supported by resources linked to state-adjacent elites and possibly taxpayers.

8) Alina Kabaeva: alleged partner and sanctioned influence network

• The video repeats allegations that Putin’s secret partner is Alina Kabaeva (Olympic rhythmic gymnast), noting sanctions over alleged close ties.
• It claims she chairs a major media holding board controlling prominent Russian TV channels.
• It also suggests that her family life (children/guarded residences) reflects elite insulation, framing the “real scandal” as luxury funded indirectly by public money.

Presenters or contributors (named in the subtitles)

• Masha Borzonova (host/presenter; “foreign agent” per Russian authorities)
• Alex Mishustin (mentioned as PM’s son; quoted)
• Nicol Peskov (mentioned as spokesman’s son; quoted)
• Alexandre (deserter; first-person testimony)
• Georg Avaliani (deserter; first-person testimony)
• Denis Katayev (journalist for Docht)
• Vladimir Ovna (speaker named in subtitles; likely referenced during Putin/family “technology” discussion)
• Valentina Morevic (student/heritage defender; interviewed)