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The topic of captivity continues to dominate headlines with developments involving Ukrainian and Russian forces. Recently, a Russian serviceman faced unprecedented charges in Russia for voluntarily surrendering to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, potentially leading to a 16-year sentence in a high-security colony. Simultaneously, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces made significant strides in capturing foreign fighters, including North Korean and Chinese soldiers, involved in the conflict on Russia's side. In parallel, humanitarian concerns grow as reports highlight the dire conditions Russian prisoners face, with many bodies showing signs of torture. Efforts by Ukrainian diplomatic and defense agencies focus on the repatriation and exchange of prisoners, showcasing complex negotiations with various international entities. As these missions unfold, the stories of human resilience and bravery from both captive soldiers and rescuers continue to emerge.

What legal consequences do Russian soldiers face for surrendering in Ukraine?

According to recent cases, Russian soldiers who voluntarily surrender to Ukrainian forces can face severe legal repercussions in Russia. These consequences include being charged with treason or desertion, leading to long-term imprisonment in high-security facilities, as seen in the case of Roman Ivanishin.

How does Ukraine manage the exchange of prisoners with Russia?

Ukraine handles prisoner exchanges through coordinated efforts by its Defense Intelligence and foreign affairs ministries. Both countries face challenges in negotiating the release of certain prisoner categories due to societal and political complexities, highlighting the delicate nature of these exchanges.

What role do international organizations play in handling captured prisoners?

International organizations like the Red Cross play a crucial role in ensuring the humane treatment of prisoners. They mediate between conflicting parties to provide essential aid such as medical care, basic amenities, and sometimes act as negotiators for prisoner exchanges.

What are the conditions often faced by prisoners of war in conflict zones?

Prisoners of war in conflict zones often endure harsh conditions, including inadequate food, medical supplies, and severe treatment. Many suffer from physical and psychological torture, leading to significant health deterioration, as reported by international human rights organizations.

How does Ukraine aid its soldiers returning from captivity?

The Ukrainian government provides comprehensive support to soldiers returning from captivity through rehabilitation programs, disability status recognition, and financial assistance to help them reintegrate into civilian life and address physical and mental health needs.

What actions have Ukrainian forces taken to capture enemy combatants?

Ukrainian forces have actively conducted various operations, capturing numerous foreign and Russian combatants through coordinated military actions involving special operations regiments, airborne brigades, and mechanized units, often reinforced by intelligence coordination.

What diplomatic efforts are underway for prisoner releases involving third countries?

Diplomatic efforts include negotiations with allies and adversaries to secure the release of captives, sometimes involving third countries as intermediaries, leveraging diplomatic relations to facilitate complex exchanges, such as those with DPRK or involving Yemeni hostages.

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News captivity

How many people went missing during the Russian war More than 60 thousand people are missing in Ukraine - Dobroserdov Currently, more than 60,000 missing persons are wanted. About 10 thousand of them are in captivity. 875 0 Previously in trend: Missed in action during the war

Special Operations Forces captured three Russian soldiers SOF fighters carried out successful raid on enemy positions and captured three ruscists. VIDEO The soldiers of the 6th Ranger Regiment of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted a successful raid on the positions of Russian troops in one of the operational areas and captured three occupants. 3 318 1 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Russian prisoner 16 years in high-security colony: for first time in Russia, military man is tried for voluntarily surrendering to Armed Forces of Ukraine In Russia, the state prosecution has requested 16 years in a maximum security colony for Russian serviceman Roman Ivanishin, who is accused of voluntary surrender to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for the first time in Russia. 13 456 32 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Case against occupier

The Special Operation Forces captured 14 Russians in the Kursk region SOF captured 14 Russian occupiers in Kursk region, including three officers. PHOTO In the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, units of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured 14 Russian invaders, including three officers. 7 859 28 Previously in trend: AFU captured occupiers in Kursk region captured occupiers

Photo exhibition in Brussels about journalists in captivity Photo exhibition dedicated to Ukrainian journalists held in Russian captivity opened in European Parliament. PHOTO The Imprisoned Freedom photo exhibition dedicated to Ukrainian journalists illegally held in Russian captivity was opened in Brussels. The opening took place in the European Parliament's information hub. 587 0 Previously in trend: Ukrainian journalists in Russian captivity

Captured Chinese soldier tells how he surrendered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces Times reported that one of Chinese fighting for Russia voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian forces A Chinese soldier who signed a contract with the Russian army came to the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donetsk region at night and surrendered himself. 4 905 10 Previously in trend: Captured Chinese nationals Participation of Chinese nationals in the war against Ukraine

Ukrainian Armed Forces captured two Chinese citizens in Donetsk region Fighters of 81st SAB capture two Chinese nationals in Donetsk region: brigade told details of operation Soldiers of the 81st Separate Airmobile Slobozhanska Brigade of the Air Assault Forces recently captured two citizens of the People’s Republic of China who were fighting on the side of the Russian army in the Donetsk region. 12 777 92 Previously in trend: Captured Chinese nationals

war SOF seized important enemy documentation and captured occupier. VIDEO The soldiers of the 4th Special Forces Regiment of the Special Operations Forces conducted a brilliant operation that resulted in the destruction of enemy manpower and clearing of a part of the settlement. The work was carried out in close cooperation with artillery and UAV operators. 8 785 4 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Azov fighters take 20 Russians prisoner in Toretsk direction - video Azov Brigade fighters captured 20 Russian occupiers in Toretsk direction. VIDEO Soldiers of the 12th Special Forces Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov" captured 20 Russian invaders in the Toretsk direction. 9 285 22 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

National Guard soldier Petrovskyi before and after Russian captivity 1037 days and minus 40 kilograms: National Guard soldier Petrovskyi before and after Russian captivity. PHOTO During his time in Russian captivity, National Guard soldier Ivan Petrovskyi lost 40 kilograms. 11 415 39 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

captured occupier National Guard captures five occupiers, one of them is "difficult soldier". VIDEO The National Guard captured five occupiers in one of the hottest areas. 20 649 13 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Putin wants the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region to surrender Ukrainian Armed Forces units in Kursk region must "lay down their arms and surrender" – Putin. VIDEO Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has offered Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region to surrender, promising them 'guaranteed life and decent treatment'. 29 341 168 Previously in trend: UAF operation in the Kursk region Putin’s statements about Ukraine Putin’s demands regarding war in Ukraine

captured Soldiers of 5th SHMB captured two occupiers, seized Russian electronic warfare system and FPV drones. VIDEO The pilots of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade, having lost their drone in the grey zone, decided to return it. As a result, they returned with two captured occupiers, an enemy electronic warfare device "Kapyushon", three enemy Mavics and four enemy FPV drones. 7 246 9 Previously in trend: Situation at front Destruction of the occupiers

war Soldiers of 4th Battalion of Freedom Force of Rubizh National Guard captured two occupiers. VIDEO Soldiers of the 4th Battalion of the Freedom Force of the Rubizh National Guard captured two occupiers. The Russian servicemen chose life over senseless death and voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian defenders. 3 280 9 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Repatriation of Ukrainian bodies: The Ministry of Internal Affairs told about identification Over past 4 months, Russia has handed over twice as many bodies as during full-scale war - Interior Ministry The register of missing persons already contains more than three thousand bodies that have not yet been identified. Over the past 4 months, Russia has handed over twice as many bodies to Ukraine as during the entire period of the full-scale invasion. 4 047 18 Previously in trend: repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers

prison, captivity of the Russian Federation 80% of repatriated bodies from Russian prisons show signs of torture – Interior Ministry 80% of bodies repatriated from Russian detention facilities and prisons show signs of torture. 3 063 14 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons

captivity Soldiers of 5th SAB jump off vehicle and capture lone Russian standing in field. VIDEO Soldiers of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade of Kyiv captured a Russian invader in the middle of a field in the Kramatorsk direction. 12 585 25 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Wounded Russian soldiers surrendered after following instructions announced by drone. VIDEO Russian troops surrendered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces after receiving instructions from a drone. Upon hearing the audio commands, the occupiers laid down their weapons and surrendered to Ukrainian forces. Our soldiers not only ensured their safety but also provided medical assistance to the wounded. 5 810 10 Previously in trend: Situation at front

trump, zelenskyy Zelenskyy shows Trump photos of Ukrainian military before and after Russian captivity During a meeting at the White House, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed Donald Trump a photo of Ukrainian prisoners of war. 7 766 19 Previously in trend: Trump-Zelenskyy meeting

red cross provides condoms to russian prisoners of war Red Cross provides condoms to Russian POWs, while they complain about absence of Olivier salad on camp menu and lack of vitamins in medical unit. VIDEO Representatives of the international humanitarian movement Red Cross provide condoms to Russian POWs held in Ukrainian camps. 57 994 57 Previously in trend: Detention conditions of POWs

Budanov told which prisoners are difficult to exchange Budanov regarding prisoner exchange: Certain categories of prisoners have become ’problematic’ for both Ukraine and Russia The head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov said that the exchange of certain categories of prisoners is difficult to perceive in the societies of Ukraine and Russia. 6 788 10 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

POWs National Guardsman from Rubizh Brigade stormed dugout on his own and captured six Russian soldiers. VIDEO A soldier of the 4th Battalion, "Force of Freedom," of the 4th Brigade of the National Guard "Rubizh" launched a solo assault and stormed an enemy dugout where a group of Russian infantrymen was positioned. 12 228 38 Previously in trend: War

occupier He wanted to have Russian passport but ended up wounded and beaten by Russian commander: story of mercenary from Kyrgyzstan. VIDEO Kyrgyz citizen Altynbek Ibraimov joined the Russian forces to obtain citizenship. However, the promised "quiet service as a driver" quickly turned into a "meat assault," where he was abandoned. 4 640 13 Previously in trend: War

captivity, torture Former POWs will be able to receive disability status and state support - Ministry of Health In Ukraine, people who survived illegal detention and torture during the war will now be able to receive disability status and appropriate state aid. 774 4

assault Defence forces eliminate 8 occupiers during night assault in Donetsk region, capture 2 more. VIDEO Soldiers of the Bravo Special Forces Group, in cooperation with pilots and fire support, conducted a successful night assault on enemy positions in the Donetsk region. As a result, 8 enemy combatants were eliminated and two invaders were taken prisoner. The trenches were secured, and the enemy was demoralized. 6 265 5 Previously in trend: War

nine occupiers surrender Nine occupiers under white flag heading for captivity in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO A group of occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction raised a white flag and surrendered. 13 788 23

POWs How Ukrainian Defence Forces managed to neutralise group of Russian stormtroopers and find out information from occupiers. VIDEO Border guards of the "Forpost" brigade in the Vovchansk sector captured six Russian stormtroopers. 6 523 6 Previously in trend: War

POW One out of 30 Russian assaultmen survived – he was taken prisoner by our territorial defense forces in Siversk direction. VIDEO In the Siversk direction, soldiers of the 118th Separate Cherkasy Territorial Defence Brigade captured the only surviving Russian assaultman from a group of 30. 11 502 27 Previously in trend: War

Russians severely tortured American Hubbard in captivit Russians tortured 73-year-old American Hubbard, who was captured in Izium in 2022 - NYT Russian occupiers tortured 73-year-old US citizen Stephen James Hubbard, who was taken prisoner in Izium, Kharkiv region, in April 2022. 7 586 22 Previously in trend: War

Soldiers of the National Guard Brigade captured 6 Russians in the Pokrovsk direction Soldiers of NGU "Spartan" brigade captured six invaders in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO Soldiers of the 3rd Operational Brigade of the Spartan NGU replenished Ukraine's "exchange fund" with six Russian occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction. 7 903 11

Paratroopers captured 21 occupiers in Kursk region of Russia Ukrainian paratroopers capture 21 Russian servicemen in Kursk region. VIDEO Ukrainian paratroopers and adjacent units captured 21 Russian army servicemen in the Kursk region. 16 056 63

POW First, I shot myself in arm, then Russian command punished me, and I spent month in pit – stories of prisoners. VIDEO In the Pokrovsk direction, fighters of the 425th separate assault regiment "SKALA" (ROCK) captured two Russian servicemen from the 74th motorised rifle brigade of the Russian Federation. 5 446 10 Previously in trend: War

captivity Special Operations Forces capture North Korean soldier for first time in Kursk region. VIDEO For the first time, the Special Operations Forces captured a DPRK army soldier in Kursk region. 28 607 69 Previously in trend: War

captured Russian Russian prisoner tells about losses of DPRK military: "There were Koreans ahead of us, but I saw only dead ones". VIDEO Zlobin Andrey Valerievich from the 11th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Russian Army was captured by Ukrainian paratroopers in the village of Makhnovka, Kursk region. 11 045 38 Previously in trend: War

POW Ukrainian drone dropped leaflet, and occupier, from Storm V unit, decided to surrender voluntarily. VIDEO In the Zaporizhzhia direction, Ukrainian soldiers captured a Russian soldier mobilised from among prisoners. Common Soldier German Koniakhin, born in 1970, a native of Bataysk, Rostov region, surrendered voluntarily after reading a leaflet dropped by a Ukrainian drone. 7 004 13 Previously in trend: War

captives Six soldiers of 425th Skala Battalion capture 8 Russian assaultmen near Pokrovsk. VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers from the 425th Separate Assault Battalion "Skala" (Rock) near Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, captured 8 Russian invaders during combat operations. 9 004 9 Previously in trend: War

POW Special operations soldiers eliminate 20 occupiers and take another Russian invader prisoner. VIDEO Soldiers of the 3rd Regiment of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine eliminated 20 occupiers in the Zaporizhzhia direction and captured another Russian invader. 11 388 27 Previously in trend: War

war Ukrainian troops in Kursk region capture Russian prisoner mobilized for war. VIDEO A Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group captured a serviceman of the Russian Armed Forces, who had previously served his sentence in a penal colony, in the area of Tiotkino, Kursk region. In a conversation with the Ukrainian military, the prisoner told about the lawlessness he faced in a Russian prison and how he was forced to take part in the war against Ukraine. 14 895 21

Houthis release crew of Galaxy Leader vessel seized in 2023 DIU and MFA evacuate three Ukrainian sailors held captive by Yemeni Houthis The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, evacuated three Ukrainian sailors, crew members of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, who were held captive by Yemeni Houthis. 931 3

POWs Fighters of 3rd SAB went into enemy’s rear and captured 6 occupiers who took Ukrainians for their own. VIDEO Soldiers of the 2nd Company of the 2nd Assault Battalion of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade infiltrated the enemy's rear during a combat operation and captured 6 Russian soldiers who mistook Ukrainians for their own. 10 939 16 Previously in trend: War

Special Forces cleared the positions Defense forces consolidated their positions in occupied territories and eliminated 3 invaders, capturing another one. VIDEO The operators of the 3rd Regiment of the Special Operations Forces cleared the enemy positions and brought in a friendly unit. 5 379 3 Previously in trend: War

war Soldiers of Ranger Brigade stop enemy’s attack in Vovchansk direction. VIDEO In the eastern sector, Russian troops continue unsuccessful attempts to break through the defences of the Ukrainian military. Another enemy attack in the Vovchansk direction was stopped by the 71st separate hunting ranger brigade, effectively using drones, artillery and small arms. 4 196 8 Previously in trend: War

war Ukrainian Armed Forces repel attack, destroy equipment and capture 6 occupiers in Vovchansk direction. VIDEO Border guards of the Forpost brigade repelled an assault in the Vovchansk direction, destroyed enemy equipment and captured six occupiers. 4 256 2 Previously in trend: War

occupiers Soldiers of 79th SAAB capture seven invaders in Kurakhove direction. VIDEO Soldiers of the 79th Separate Air Assault Tavriia Brigade conducted a successful operation in the Kurakhove direction, capturing seven Russian invaders. 3 663 10

Ukrainian paratroopers Ukrainian paratroopers capture 27 Russian soldiers in Kursk region. VIDEO Airborne assault troops, together with adjacent units of the Ukrainian Defence Forces, captured 27 Russian servicemen in the Kursk region. 10 723 24

prisoners of war Soldiers of 12th Azov Brigade captured 23 Russian invaders during assault in Toretsk direction. VIDEO Soldiers of the 12th Azov Brigade captured 23 occupiers during an assault in the Toretsk direction. The Russians surrendered voluntarily: they were found in basements. 13 275 43 Previously in trend: War

Zelenskyy Ukraine is ready to hand over its captured soldiers to DPRK if Kim Jong-un organizes return of Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity - Zelenskyy. VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready to hand over its soldiers to DPRK dictator Kim Jong Un if he can arrange an exchange for our soldiers held captive in Russia. 9 815 80

War Fighters of 155th SMB captured 4 occupiers in Pokrovsk direction: "Thank you guys for saving our lives". VIDEO Soldiers of the 155th separate mechanised brigade named after Anna of Kyiv captured four Russian invaders in the Pokrovsk sector. 9 424 18 Previously in trend: War