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Recent events in Ukraine have highlighted key incidents related to captivity amidst the ongoing conflict. In a notable special operation in the Sumy sector, a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance unit successfully seized a Russian observation post, capturing five Russian servicemen. This operation reflects the strategic capabilities of Ukrainian forces in counteracting occupation forces. Tragic news emerged regarding Mykola Bruiev, a defender of Mariupol and Azov Brigade member, who died in Russian captivity due to torture. His sacrifice underscores the brutal realities of warfare and the toll on prisoners of war (POWs). These events emphasize the complexities and human cost associated with captivity within the Ukraine conflict.

What strategies are used in Ukraine to capture occupying forces?

Ukrainian forces employ various strategies, including sabotage and reconnaissance missions, to disrupt enemy positions and capture occupying forces. Recently, a special operation in the Sumy sector demonstrated the effectiveness of these tactics, as a Ukrainian unit destroyed a Russian observation post and captured five servicemen.

What led to the death of Mykola Bruiev in captivity?

Mykola Bruiev, a member of the Azov Battalion and defender of Mariupol, tragically died while in Russian captivity due to torture. His death highlights the severe conditions faced by prisoners of war and underscores the brutality often inflicted on captives.

How does the Ukrainian military handle prisoners of war?

The Ukrainian military adheres to international laws regarding the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs). While the exact procedures may be classified, operations such as those in the Sumy sector are conducted with the intention to comply with humanitarian standards and intelligence gathering.

What impact do successful capture operations have on the war effort?

Successful capture operations greatly impact the war effort by disrupting enemy command and control structures, gathering valuable intelligence, and potentially using detainees in prisoner exchanges. These successes boost the morale of Ukrainian forces and can diminish the operational capabilities of occupying forces.

What are the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in special operations?

Ukrainian forces face numerous challenges in special operations, including operational secrecy, the need for precise intelligence, and the risks involved in capturing fortified positions. Additionally, such operations require highly trained units capable of swift and effective execution without sustaining casualties.

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News captivity

Airborne Assault Forces soldier freed after 4 years in captivity: details As part of rescue operation, soldier from Airborne Assault Forces was freed after four years in Russian captivity. VIDEO+PHOTOS As part of a special rescue operation, a soldier from the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Airborne Assault Troops, who had been held captive by the Russians for four years, has been successfully returned to territory controlled by Ukraine. 5 748 3 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

Ukrainian reconnaissance troops cleared the Russian observation post Special operation in Sumy sector: our sabotage and reconnaissance unit cleared Russian observation post and captured five occupiers. VIDEO In the Sumy sector, a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance unit carried out a successful special operation, resulting in the destruction of a Russian occupation forces’ observation post and the capture of five Russian servicemen. 3 477 6 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Mykola Bruiev, a member of the Azov Regiment, died whilst in Russian captivity Mykola Bruiev, defender of Mariupol and member of Azov battalion, died in Russian captivity as result of torture Mykola Bruiev, a fighter with the Azov Brigade and a defender of Mariupol, known by the call sign ‘Brusha’, has died in Russian captivity. 6 088 27 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

Ukraine has returned more defenders from captivity than Russia still holds Ukraine has already returned more soldiers from Russian captivity than are still in captivity, - Lubinets The number of Ukrainian defenders who have already been released from Russian captivity currently exceeds the number of servicemen who remain in captivity. 1 107 8 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Russian soldiers convicted of crimes against farmers in Donetsk region Two captives after abduction: Russian soldiers convicted of crime against farmers in Donetsk region. VIDEO Two farmers from the Bakhmut district endured unlawful detention, interrogations under threat, being transported blindfolded, a journey lasting several days through occupied territory, and being taken prisoner again. 2 531 1 Previously in trend: Investigation of Russian war crimes

Roshchyna was tortured in the pretrial detention center Roshchyna was broken occipital bone while in Russian captivity, - National Police While holding Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna at Pretrial Detention Center No. 2 in Taganrog, Russian occupiers inflicted serious injuries on her, including a fractured occipital bone. 3 827 7 Previously in trend: Death of Victoria Roshchyna

About 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers remain in Russian captivity 95% of Ukrainian prisoners in Russia undergo torture, - Verkhovna Rada Russia is currently holding approximately 7,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war, and more than 95% of them are subjected to torture and ill-treatment. 763 11 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons

Russians tortured Azov resident Krokhmaliuk in captivity Russians tortured Mariupol defender, "Azov" Oleksandr Krokhmaliuk, in captivity Russian invaders tortured Ukrainian defender and Azov fighter Oleksandr Krokhmalyuk while he was in captivity. 7 431 13 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons

Exchange of civilian prisoners Severe psychological distress, injuries and illnesses: Lubinets spoke about civilians released from Russian captivity. PHOTOS Today, as part of the exchange, in addition to military personnel, seven Ukrainian civilians were released—civilians whom the Russians had effectively abducted from their homes. 3 872 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukraine and Russia carried out a prisoner exchange on 6 March Prisoner exchange takes place: 175 military personnel and seven civilians freed, — Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Today, 11 April 2026, a prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. 175 servicemen were released from enemy captivity. 6 556 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

captured occupiers Paratroopers of 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade capture 6 occupiers in Sloviansk direction. VIDEO Paratroopers of the 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade of Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured six Russian servicemen in the Sloviansk direction, who voluntarily laid down their arms. 3 035 1 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Russians are being taken prisoner DIU soldiers captured two occupiers in Zaporizhzhia sector. VIDEO Soldiers from the "Stugna" unit, part of the "Timur Special Forces" of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, captured two Russian Federation servicemen whilst carrying out stabilisation operations in the Zaporizhzhia sector. 4 186 1 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

Three Russian servicemen to stand trial for the unlawful detention of the ’Sapphire’ crew Seizure of Ukrainian vessel "Sapphire" and capture of civilians: three Russian servicemen to face trial, – National Police. PHOTOS Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have concluded the pre-trial investigation into the unlawful detention of the crew of the civilian vessel "Sapphire" at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. 2 150 5 Previously in trend: Russia’s attack on civilian vessels

Drones and robots are taking Russian soldiers prisoner Drones and ground robotic systems are taking Russian soldiers captive, - Forbes Ukrainian drones and ground-based robotic systems are increasingly forcing Russian soldiers to lay down their arms, and sometimes capture the enemy without the involvement of live military personnel. 1 273 0 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

POW swap More than 8,000 Ukrainians returned from captivity over four years – Coordination Headquarters Over four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, 8,050 Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity. 585 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Andrii Demchenko Armed Forces of Ukraine in Lyman direction captured two Russians during infiltration attempt, - Demchenko On February 19, Ukrainian defenders captured two Russian soldiers who were attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian combat positions in the Liman direction. 1 219 0 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Viktoriia, Roshchyna In Taganrog pretrial detention centre, Roschyna tried to cut her veins in front of guards to get psychologist to see her, - former prisoner A Ukrainian man released from Russian captivity, known by the pseudonym "Brytva," said that journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna was subjected to psychological pressure while being held in a Taganrog detention centre, was repeatedly placed in solitary confinement, and attempted to harm herself after... 3 962 7 Previously in trend: Death of Victoria Roshchyna

З полону повернувся прикордонник із Борзни Віталій Шпитальний Vitalii Shpytalnyi, border guard from Chernihiv region, returned from captivity after holding his position single-handedly for three days. PHOTO During the exchange, Vitalii Shpytalnyi, a border guard from the city of Borzna in the Chernihiv region, who was captured in May 2024, returned home from Russian captivity. Prior to this, the soldier had single-handedly been holding his position for three days. 3 522 6 Previously in trend: Rescuing soldiers from captivity

Defender of Mariupol returns from captivity Myroslav Chornomor, defender of Mariupol sentenced to life imprisonment by occupiers, released from captivity. PHOTO Myroslav Chornomor, a defender of Mariupol from the Lysianska community in the Cherkasy region, who had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment by the occupiers, has been released from Russian captivity. 4 046 15 Previously in trend: Rescuing soldiers from captivity

Russian surrenders to Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers Russians used drone to eliminate their accomplice, who was going to surrender to soldiers of 24th SMB. VIDEO Russian troops continue to demonstrate "barrage tactics," killing their own soldiers for attempting to save their lives. According to Censor.NET, a dramatic video has been published online showing the occupiers' massacre of one of their own soldiers. 9 555 19 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction FPV drones of Armed Forces of Ukraine saved Ukrainian soldiers from captivity near Pokrovsk: enemy group destroyed. VIDEO Near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, drones saved Ukrainian soldiers from captivity. 10 011 13 Previously in trend: Russian assault on Pokrovsk direction

Russian surgeons from the so-called "Friends of Donbas Medicine" group Media identified Russian surgeons who had burned "Glory to Russia" on body of Ukrainian prisoner. PHOTO The inscription "Glory to Russia" and the letter Z on the body of Ukrainian prisoner of war Andrii Pereverzev were made during an operation at the largest hospital in Donbas – the "Donetsk Clinical Territorial Medical Association" (DOKTMO). This inscription could have been left by Russian... 29 327 51 Previously in trend: War crimes of Russia

Soldiers of the 63rd SMB neutralised 65 occupiers Soldiers of 63rd SMB neutralised 65 occupiers in Lyman direction: four were taken prisoner. VIDEO Over the past day, in the Lyman direction, fighters of the 63rd separate mechanised brigade neutralised 65 Russian soldiers, four of whom were taken prisoner. 3 548 3 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Hostilities in Lyman sector

Russian prisoners Over 10,000 Russian soldiers have been captured during full-scale war, - Coordination Headquarters The ‘I Want to Live’ project has published comprehensive statistics for the first time on more than 10,000 Russian servicemen who were captured during the full-scale war against Ukraine. The data shows a sharp increase in the number of prisoners, an increase in the proportion of foreign... 3 380 10 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Prisoner exchange In 2025, 10 exchanges were carried out, 2,080 military personnel and 230 civilians were returned from captivity, - Coordination Headquarters The current year, 2025, has been a record year in terms of the number of Ukrainian people who have been returned home from Russian captivity. 423 0 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Zelenskyy Children among civilians taken from Hrabovske. Russia also captured 13 Ukrainian servicemen, Zelenskyy says Among the 52 civilians whom Russian occupiers took out of the village of Hrabovske in Sumy region were children. Ukrainian servicemen were also taken into Russian captivity. 9 344 304 Previously in trend: Russia evacuated 50 civilians

Russians shot Ukrainian prisoner of war near Siversk Occupiers shot Ukrainian prisoner of war in Sviato-Pokrovske, Donetsk region - DeepState In Sviato-Pokrovske, southwest of Siversk (Donetsk region), the enemy shot a Ukrainian soldier after taking him prisoner. 3 485 2 Previously in trend: Execution of Ukrainian POWs

Ukrainian marine Oleksandr Savov has died Azovstal marine Oleksandr Savov, who returned from Russian captivity eight months ago, has died. PHOTO Ukrainian marine Oleksandr Savov has died; this spring he returned from Russian captivity after almost three years in detention. 7 963 13 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

Russian POWs Defence forces captured 21 Russian soldiers in Donetsk region – Azov. VIDEO Ukrainian Defense Forces troops operating in the defensive sector of brigades of the Azov 1st Corps of the National Guard captured 21 Russian servicemembers in the Dobropillia and Kostiantynivka directions. 8 439 30 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

North Korean soldiers captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces asked to be taken to South Korea Captured North Korean soldiers ask to be handed over to South Korea, - media The captured North Korean soldiers, who were taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, are in a psychologically unstable state and have attempted to harm themselves. One of them drew a portrait of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in his cell. 7 048 21 Previously in trend: DPRK forces

Our soldiers eliminated the enemy’s position and took a prisoner "Enei" fighters destroy enemy positions in Toretsk and capture occupier: "What are you, cop?". VIDEO A unit of the "Enei" Special Operations Battalion of the National Police’s "Liut" Brigade successfully completed a combat mission in Toretsk, Donetsk region. 6 978 6 Previously in trend: Situation at front

The occupier was eliminated by his own comrades while he was trying to surrender Wanted to surrender: occupier killed by his own invaders. VIDEO The "South" Joint Forces Group has released footage showing a Russian soldier being killed by his own army while attempting to surrender to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 6 994 12 Previously in trend: Drones against occupiers Elimination of Russian occupiers

Mayor of Dniprorudne Yevhen Matvieiev Mayor of Dniprorudne Matvieiev was tortured in captivity and died from multiple injuries and wounds on 7 September 2024, - Office of Prosecutor General Russians tortured Yevhen Matvieiev, mayor of Dniprorudne in Zaporizhzhia region, to death while he was in captivity. He died from multiple injuries and wounds. 3 610 12

Fighters captured six occupiers Armenian, Buryat, Nenets, Tajik and two Yakuts: fighters captured six Russian occupiers. VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers captured six occupiers, among whom there were no ethnic Russians. 12 586 79 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

OSCE President Pere Juan Ponce Sampietro Release of three Ukrainian OSCE staff members from Russian captivity is our top priority, - Sampietro The issue of releasing three Ukrainian citizens who worked in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission from Russian captivity remains a priority. 770 4 Previously in trend: Ukrainians in Russian captivity

In the Kharkiv region, fighters detained two Russian occupiers Border guards from "Hart" brigade captured two Russian soldiers in Kharkiv region. VIDEO+PHOTOS In Kharkiv region, border guards of the "Hart" brigade captured two Russian soldiers who were building fortifications on Ukrainian territory. 2 290 4 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Indian surrenders to captivity Indian recruited by Russians surrenders to Ukrainian Armed Forces: "I didn’t want to fight, I wanted to escape". VIDEO A 22-year-old Indian citizen named Majoti was captured by the Ukrainian military. He agreed to serve in the Russian army to avoid a seven-year prison sentence. 4 768 15 Previously in trend: Captured Russian mercenaries

Defence forces showed footage of the liberation of Sichneve in Dnipropetrovsk region Defence forces eliminated 50 occupiers and captured another 8 in village of Sichneve in Dnipropetrovsk region. VIDEO The Ukrainian Defence Forces have released footage of successful assault operations by the 141st Separate Mechanised Brigade in the village of Sichneve in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The operation resulted in significant enemy losses. Soldiers of the "Shkval" assault unit eliminated 50 Russian... 5 835 7 Previously in trend: Situation at front

An occupier from Mozdok spoke about the mountains of corpses and Russian losses near Uspenivka Occupier joined assault troops instead of going to prison — now he is giving "interviews" in captivity. VIDEO The occupier Sergey Shevkuta from Mozdok, Russia, who was facing a prison term for "weed", found himself in the realities of typical Russian assaults. 2 612 6 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

31-year-old Tuvan surrendered to Ukrainian border guards Tuva-born occupier surrenders to Ukrainian border guards in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO In the Pokrovsk direction, servicemen of the rapid response commandant’s office of the Chernihiv Border Detachment captured a 31-year-old Russian citizen from the Republic of Tuva, with the call sign "Taiga." 4 673 30 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

PACE called on Russia to release 26 Ukrainian journalists. PACE called on Russia to release 26 Ukrainian journalists from captivity. PHOTOS The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has called on Russia to release 26 Ukrainian journalists from captivity. 443 0 Previously in trend: Ukrainian journalists in Russian captivity

Russians killed their own soldiers Russians kill their own soldiers who tried to surrender in Kursk region. VIDEO Russian troops killed two of their own soldiers who attempted to surrender to Ukrainian paratroopers in Russia’s Kursk region. 9 741 10 Previously in trend: Russians are killing their own

Mykolaienko on Russian captivity Former Kherson mayor Mykolaienko on Russian captivity: They beat us and fed us just enough so we wouldn’t starve to death. We picked nettles to get at least some vitamins Former Kherson Mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko has lost 25 kilograms while in enemy captivity. 2 802 5 Previously in trend: Russians hold former mayor of Kherson captive

Operation to remove a bullet from the heart In Kyiv, an Azovstal defender who spent year in captivity with bullet in his heart underwent successful surgery. VIDEO A defender of Azovstal, who spent a year in captivity with a bullet in his heart, has undergone a successful operation in Kyiv. 4 884 16

Trial of captured Aidar fighters in Russia 18 captured Aidar fighters on trial in Russia, face 20–24 years In Russia’s Rostov-on-Don, 18 captured fighters from the Aidar battalion are on trial, facing between 20 and 24 years in prison. 3 153 8 Previously in trend: Sentences for Ukrainians in the Russian Federation

Our assault troops captured 17 Russian invaders Soldiers of 425th Assault Regiment "Skelia" captured 17 Russian invaders. VIDEO A Russian assault group fell into a trap set by fighters from the 425th Separate Assault Regiment "Skelia". Ukrainian soldiers captured 17 occupiers during a combat sortie. 7 326 16 Previously in trend: Situation at front captured occupiers

Confessions of Russian soldiers After "pipe" to Kupiansk, captured occupiers advise Russian military "not to fall for any b#llshit" from their commanders. VIDEO The Ukrainian military captured a group of Russian occupiers who tried to enter the city of Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, through a gas pipe on scooters. According to Censor.NET, the video confession of the prisoners was released by the 10th Army Corps of the Land Forces of AFU. 15 992 21 Previously in trend: Fighting in the Kupіansk direction

Assault troops of the Third Army Corps are clearing the area 3rd Army Corps clears enemy positions: ’One killed, other captured’. VIDEO Assault troops of the 3rd Army Corps carried out a clearance operation in parts of the Svatove district and the Lyman amalgamated territorial community. 3 872 2 Previously in trend: Destruction of the occupiers’ firing positions

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