Wars often leave behind stories of heroism and despair, but they also expose deception and exploitation.
For some Russian soldiers captured in Ukraine, their accounts reveal a harrowing tale of coercion, abuse, and manipulation, according to WP.
These are not seasoned fighters — they are prisoners, plucked from jails, and thrust into a war under false pretenses.
Videos released by Ukraine’s 80th Brigade show captured Russian soldiers recounting their experiences. What they describe is a grim reality, far removed from the official narratives.
No Choice but to Fight
The prisoners claim they had no say in their conscription. Many were recruited from prisons, told they had to fight or face brutal consequences.
“They give you no choice,” said one soldier. “Refuse, and they add years to your sentence. Or they just kill you.”
Others spoke of beatings, threats, and worse at recruitment facilities.
Once deployed, their orders were clear: capture a Ukrainian-controlled town with a significant Russian-speaking civilian population.
But when the fighting started, they found themselves abandoned. “Our commanders left us,” one prisoner explained. “They turned and drove away while we were still advancing.”
Lies About NATO
The soldiers also talked about being misled about who they were fighting. They were told the battle wasn’t against Ukraine.
“They said there were no Ukrainians left, just NATO soldiers — French Foreign Legion, mercenaries,” one said.
Another added, “They told us this war is against the whole world, not just Ukraine.”
While these soldiers faced chaos and misinformation, Ukraine continued its counteroffensive. In August, Ukrainian forces launched a bold operation in Russia’s Kursk region.
Over six days, they captured 1,300 square kilometers of territory, using 11 tanks, 20 armored vehicles, and hundreds of soldiers. Reports suggest Ukraine plans to use this captured land as leverage in negotiations with Vladimir Putin.
