In a prison basement in northeastern dozens of young Russian soldiers are being kept as prisoners of war. They were captured during recent fighting between Russia and Ukraine, and they are not seasoned veterans but young recruits. They were part of the Russian force that was unexpectedly thrust into combat following Ukrainians incursion into Russia's Kursk region.
Not Expecting to Fight
Many of the captives are conscripts serving their mandatory one-year military service, and were not anticipated to see compat, according to Ziare.
Their capture poses a significant challenge for the Kremlin and tests Ukraine’s ability to handle a large number of Russian POWs, who could be valuable in future negotiations.
President Vladimir Putin had assured that recruits would not be sent into combat. Despite this, some conscripts found themselves in Ukraine. Most recruits were stationed along Russia's western border, with the expectation that they would not face direct combat.
Didn't want to Fight
One captured soldier, Nikolai, 22, expressed frustration, stating:
"We didn’t want to fight in any way." He described how recruits were promised they would not participate in hostilities.
Ukrainian officials allowed a small group of journalists, including Washington Post reporters, to visit the prison. During this visit, prisoners reported receiving good treatment and medical care, though some had sustained injuries before capture.
Families of the captured soldiers have petitioned President Putin, accusing Chechen forces of abandoning these young recruits, some of whom had not completed their basic training.
