Vanya is a raw recruit in the Soviet army, leaving his mother when he is sent to the Caucasus to fight Chetchnyian separatists. When their tank patrol is ambushed, Vanja and the hardend veteran sergeant are captured by Muslim forces. Abdul-Murat, the leader of the village where the soldiers are held, also has a son in the war, who is being held as a prisoner of war by the Russians. Abdul-Murat demands the release of his son in exchange for sparing Vania and Sasha. While waiting for an answer a level of understanding and respect begins to grow between the Russians and their captors. But the exchange fails. The Russian commander lacks the nerve to make the exchange, so Murat let Vanya write to his mother, begging her to come and plead for the trade. In a vain attempt Vanja seeks to escape, and the villagers urge Murat to execute the pair.