Podcast Summary: "To Die For"
Episode 10: "Kill or Be Killed"
Release Date: June 4, 2024
Hosts: Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In Episode 10 of the gripping podcast series "To Die For," titled "Kill or Be Killed," host Neil Strauss delves deep into the harrowing world of sexpionage and the brutal realities of Russian intelligence operations. This episode spotlights the chilling firsthand account of Aliia Roza, a professed "sex spy," as she navigates the treacherous landscapes of war-torn Chechnya. Through her story, listeners gain an unprecedented glimpse into the psychological and physical toll of espionage and combat.

Background: The Chechen Conflict

To understand Aliia's journey, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the Chechen wars—two brutal conflicts that have defined the relationship between Russia and Chechnya since the 1990s. Dr. Mark Galeotti, a renowned expert on Russian affairs, explains the historical context:

"Chechnya has fought against Russian occupation for centuries. When the Soviet Union dissolved, Chechnya declared independence, leading to the first Chechen war. The second war, initiated by Putin's regime, was marked by unprecedented brutality and the use of torture, assassination, and mass murder of civilians." (17:02)

Aliia's Story

Departure and Training

Aliia Roza's story begins with her reluctant departure to the front lines of Chechnya. She reveals the isolation and fear she experienced:

"I didn't speak with my parents or my sister. I felt like this is the end, and they'll give me the relief." (02:17)

Upon arrival, Aliia is thrust into a dire situation:

"The smell was the smell of death. Man sweat mixed with blood and the land. The first night, I didn't sleep at all." (07:56)

Relationship with Rashid

A pivotal figure in Aliia's journey is Rashid, a fellow soldier from Kyrgyzstan, who becomes her mentor and confidant. Their bond forms amidst the chaos of war:

"We were ordered onto trucks and sent to the front lines. Rashid started telling me funny stories to ease the tension." (06:29)

Rashid imparts crucial survival techniques and emotional support:

"Don't hesitate. Press the trigger. If you hesitate, that’s the moment you will be killed." (25:34)

Experiences on the Front Lines

Aliia's deployment is fraught with moral dilemmas and relentless violence. She grapples with the ethics of killing civilians and the dehumanizing effects of war:

"We were attacking civilians. They were normal families protecting their country. It made me nauseous." (11:50)

The scarcity of resources leads to brutal raids on villages:

"One day, soldiers decided to rob a village for food. They killed an old man who tried to defend his home. It was senseless brutality." (13:26)

These actions incite retaliation from the Chechen militia, intensifying the cycle of violence:

"The raid didn't go as planned, and the villagers retaliated. It was a revenge that I could understand, yet I was still a target." (14:09)

Moral Conflict and Psychological Toll

Aliia's internal struggle with her role as a soldier becomes increasingly unbearable. The relentless fear and exposure to death erode her sense of humanity:

"I reached a point where I didn't care what would happen to me. I just wanted to get out." (29:30)

Her relationship with Rashid provides fleeting moments of solace but also highlights the stark contrasts in their coping mechanisms:

"Rashid tried to comfort me by comparing humans to animals, but I couldn't see them as anything other than fellow human beings." (25:34)

Climactic Battle and Aftermath

A turning point occurs during a fierce bombardment of their base, leading to catastrophic loss:

"I saw Rashid's mutilated body next to me. He was joking just moments before. I felt guilty and helpless." (33:38)

Injured and traumatized, Aliia faces the immediate aftermath of battle:

"I couldn't stand up. My leg was broken. I screamed for help but couldn't hear anyone." (31:19)

The episode captures her descent into despair as she grapples with the loss of comrades and the futility of her mission:

"Seeing these young soldiers die for nothing—it doesn't make sense. Where is the justice?" (35:23)

Expert Commentary

Dr. Mark Galeotti provides critical insights into the broader implications of the Chechen wars:

"The second Chechen war was a brutal conflict that showcased Putin's determination to assert control over the region. The use of extreme violence was a strategic move to reassert dominance." (20:11)

He also discusses the propaganda and dehumanization tactics employed by both sides, exacerbating the conflict and deepening mistrust.

Conclusion

"Kill or Be Killed" serves as a poignant exploration of the human cost of espionage and war. Through Aliia Roza's narrative, listeners are confronted with the grim realities faced by spies and soldiers alike. The episode underscores the psychological scars and moral quandaries inherent in conflict situations, offering a sobering reflection on the nature of modern warfare and intelligence operations.

Notable Quotes

• Aliia Roza (02:17): "I felt like maybe this is it, this is the end. Which they'll give me the relief."

• Rashid (25:34): "When you hunt animals, they also have families. But you are the hunter. Never think that these people are somehow associated to anyone else."

• Aliia Roza (29:30): "I just want to get out. I just want to go to somewhere else. Maybe in another world."

• Dr. Mark Galeotti (17:02): "In Russia's interest, this region must be rendered devoid of life."

For those seeking a profound and unsettling dive into the world of espionage and war, Episode 10 of "To Die For" offers a compelling and immersive experience. Subscribe to Tenderfoot Plus@tenderfootplus.com or on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening and exclusive bonuses.