A new documentary film titled 'Russians at War' by Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova has caused a stir at the Venice Film Festival. The film, which offers a sympathetic portrayal of Russian soldiers on the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine, has been met with both praise and criticism.

Trofimova, who spent seven months embedded with Russian troops, aims to challenge stereotypes surrounding Russian soldiers in the West. Prior to the film's premiere, she emphasized the ordinary nature of these soldiers, stating that they are often perceived as heroes in Russia, but as war criminals in the West.

The documentary, made without authorization from the Kremlin, follows a battle-worn battalion as it navigates the challenges and mismanagement faced by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. The film also focuses on a group of Russian medics collecting the bodies of fallen comrades.

Critics of 'Russians at War' argue that the film lacks insight into the actual fighting and fails to illustrate the devastation caused by Russia's forces in Ukraine. Ukrainian journalist Olga Tokariuk described the film as a "prime example of Russian propaganda" that portrays Russian soldiers as "poor victims" and attempts to cover up war crimes committed during the illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Trofimova, however, maintains that she did not witness any signs of war crimes during her time with the Russian forces. She believes that Western media primarily associates Russian soldiers with war crimes due to a lack of alternative stories, and aims to present a different narrative with her documentary.

United24, a government-run charity platform for Ukraine's war efforts, countered Trofimova's claims on Twitter, accusing her of overlooking events such as the bombing of Kyiv's children's hospital, considered a war crime. They also raised concerns about the legality of Trofimova's presence in the regions she visited under Ukrainian law, as she failed to address the realities faced by Ukrainians living under Russian occupation.

The film has drawn criticism for its focus on Russian-Western relations and its neglect of Ukrainian voices and experiences. Ukrainian film producer Darya Bassel criticized Trofimova for ignoring Russia's multiple invasions and mislabeling the invasion of Ukraine as a civil war. Bassel emphasized the importance of remembering the victims of the conflict and questioned the significance of the soldiers' actions, highlighting ongoing missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.

Another documentary at the festival, 'Songs of Slow Burning Earth', highlights the devastating effects of the Russian invasion on Ukrainian lives. Its director, Olha Zhurba, expressed her belief that Russian filmmakers should focus on exposing the true face of the aggressors in this conflict, rather than portraying them sympathetically.

Trofimova hopes that 'Russians at War' can serve as a bridge between Russia and the West, offering a different perspective and fostering understanding. However, critics argue that the film fails to provide a comprehensive view of the conflict and overlooks the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

The screenings of 'Russians at War' at the Venice Film Festival have ignited passionate debates about the portrayal of Russian soldiers and the responsibility of filmmakers to present an unbiased depiction of war.