Recent military operations in Ukraine have resulted in the capture of numerous Russian soldiers. Special Operations Forces have been pivotal in these successes, conducting raids and ambushes to detain enemy combatants. These strategic maneuvers not only disrupt Russian advances but also bring critical intelligence into Ukrainian hands. The capturing of the Russian personnel is an ongoing element of the conflict, reflecting the dynamic and tactical nature of modern warfare. As Ukraine secures more prisoners, it strengthens its position both on the battlefield and in diplomatic engagements concerning captives and potential exchanges.
How do Ukrainian forces capture Russian soldiers?
Ukrainian forces use a combination of ambushes, surprise raids, and coordinated assaults to capture Russian soldiers. Special Operations Forces play a crucial role in executing these operations, often infiltrating enemy lines swiftly and capturing soldiers without excessive violence, reflecting their strategic acumen and tactical precision.
What happens to Russian soldiers once they are captured by Ukraine?
Once captured, Russian soldiers are typically processed according to international law regarding prisoners of war. They may provide valuable intelligence and may be exchanged in future negotiations. The treatment of captives adheres to the Geneva Conventions, ensuring humane conditions until any potential exchange or resolution.
How does the capture of soldiers impact the conflict in Ukraine?
The capture of soldiers impacts the conflict by temporarily weakening enemy forces and boosting Ukrainian morale. It provides Ukraine with negotiation leverage for prisoner exchanges, disrupts enemy plans, and allows for the gathering of intelligence that can further assist in tactical and strategic planning against opposing operations.
Have there been any high-profile prisoner exchanges recently?
Yes, Ukraine continues to engage in prisoner exchanges as part of diplomatic negotiations. These exchanges often involve the return of Ukrainian soldiers or civilians held captive in exchange for Russian military personnel. Such activities not only relieve the anxiety of families of captives but also serve as political and humanitarian gestures between conflicting parties.
What are the typical conditions for soldiers in captivity?
Soldiers in captivity are typically held under conditions governed by international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions. They are provided with basic needs such as food, water, and medical care. Any claims of mistreatment are taken seriously, with oversight from international bodies to ensure compliance with humane standards.
How does Ukraine's capture strategy affect international perception?
Ukraine's capture strategy, focusing on adherence to international law and humane treatment, tends to enhance its international reputation. It showcases commitment to lawful conduct even during conflict, earning support and credibility on the global stage. This approach aligns with efforts to garner international support and foster alliances.
News Captives
Scouts from DIU’s "Timur Special Unit" ambush ruscists and capture two occupiers in Zaporizhzhia sector. VIDEO Soldiers from the "Khymera" unit, part of the "Timur Special Unit" of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), ambushed Russian occupiers advancing toward Zaporizhzhia and captured two invaders. 2 978 1 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction
Special forces from DIU’s GROUP 10 unit cleared over 600 hectares of forest in Sumy region and eliminated 108 ruscists in seven weeks. VIDEO Special forces from GROUP 10 of the Active Operations Department of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine carried out a seven-week operation in the Sumy region, during which they eliminated 108 Russian occupiers and took a further 29 invaders prisoner. 2 199 2 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Fighting in Sumy region DIU special operations
Reconnaissance troops captured Russian soldier who was sleeping in hideout: "Good morning. Hands up, quick! Alexander, for f#ck’s sake, Yuryevich". VIDEO Soldiers from the ‘Chameleon Team’ reconnaissance company of the 93rd Separate Mechanised Brigade ‘Kholodnyi Yar’ captured a Russian occupier who was sleeping in his shelter in the Kostiantynivka sector of Donetsk Oblast. 8 093 13 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
Those taken captive in 2018, 2020 and 2022, seriously ill and survivors of Olenivka terrorist attack: Coordination Headquarters provides details of POW swap. PHOTOS Following negotiations conducted by the Coordination Headquarters on the instructions of the President of Ukraine, 261 Ukrainian service members were freed from Russian captivity. Separately, nine civilians were also brought home. This was the third stage of a combined prisoner exchange that... 2 423 22 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukrainian Group 10 scouts trick ruscist who mistook them for his own troops into captivity: "Drop your backpack, you’re prisoner". VIDEO Defence Forces scouts from the Group 10 unit used deception to capture a Russian occupier who mistook them for his own troops. 4 472 3 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Fighting in Sumy region
Russian soldier took off his body armour, raised his hands and, bowing repeatedly, asked Ukrainian drone to take him prisoner. VIDEO Border guards from the Kharkiv detachment captured a Russian occupier who had decided to surrender to a Ukrainian drone. Upon seeing the drone, the Russian serviceman began gesticulating wildly, raising his hands and bowing, signalling his intention to lay down his arms. 10 700 7 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
Reconnaissance troops from 3rd Army Corps captured three Africans and three Russians during fighting near Zelena Dolyna and Kolodiazi in Donetsk region. VIDEO Reconnaissance troops from the 3rd Army Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have released a video showing assaults on Russian positions near the settlements of Lypove, Zelena Dolyna and Kolodiazi in the Donetsk region. During the fighting, Ukrainian troops captured six occupiers, three of whom... 4 815 10 Previously in trend: Close-quarters combat Operation Vivaldi
Russian soldier tried to surrender but was attacked by his own side’s FPV drone: 42nd Separate Mechanised Brigade troops rescue wounded occupier using UGV. VIDEO Troops from the motorised infantry battalion of the 42nd Separate Mechanised Brigade rescued a wounded Russian serviceman who was trying to surrender but came under attack from an FPV drone. Ukrainian defenders used an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to evacuate the occupier. 5 226 35 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
Ruscists could not withstand Ukrainian drone strikes and surrendered to Special Operations Forces troops instead of assaulting Ukrainian Armed Forces positions. VIDEO Russian soldiers who had planned to assault Ukrainian positions surrendered after drone strikes by the 429th Achilles Unmanned Systems Brigade and the 420th ASTUR Unmanned Systems Regiment. 5 828 2 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
"Azov" reconnaissance troops cleared copse and captured at least three occupiers in Donetsk region. VIDEO Reconnaissance troops from the 4th Combat Group of the ‘Ultima Ratio’ Special Purpose Reconnaissance Unit, part of the 12th ‘Azov’ Special Purpose Brigade of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, carried out a combat operation in a forest area in the Donetsk region, during which they... 3 416 3 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers
Russia has recruited over 28,000 foreigners; Kenya and Botswana are asking for return of prisoners, - Bloomberg Several African countries have asked Ukraine to return their citizens who fought on Russia’s side and were taken prisoner by Ukraine. 1 901 22 Previously in trend: Russia is recruiting foreigners for the war in Ukraine
They met on opposite sides of front line: Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier spotted fellow countryman amongst occupiers who had been taken prisoner with help of drone. VIDEO In the Kharkiv region, soldiers from the 158th Separate Mechanised Brigade captured Russian soldiers using a drone fitted with a loudspeaker. Whilst speaking with the prisoners, it emerged that one of them had grown up in the same area of the Zaporizhzhia region as a Ukrainian soldier. 11 040 32 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
Special forces from 8th Special Operations Forces took three Russian soldiers prisoner during Operation ’Vivaldi’. VIDEO Operatives from the 8th Regiment of the Special Operations Forces captured three Russian soldiers in the Lyman sector as part of Operation "Vivaldi". 3 320 2 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Hostilities in Lyman sector Operation Vivaldi
During Operation ’Vivaldi’, 3rd Army Corps fighters cleared settlements and took Russian invaders prisoner: "Surrender, you idiots, you’re surrounded". VIDEO Soldiers from the 3rd Army Corps have released GoPro footage showing the clearing of settlements in the Lyman region and the capture of Russian occupiers during the third phase of the‘Vivaldi’ offensive operation. 8 200 19 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers Operation Vivaldi
3rd Army Corps has shown Russians taken prisoner during Operation ’Vivaldi’: "Anyone who came here is bloody idiot". VIDEO During Operation‘Vivaldi’ in the Lyman region, soldiers from the Third Army Corps took a group of occupiers prisoner. 10 176 19 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Hostilities in Lyman sector Operation Vivaldi
Biletskyi spoke with Russian prisoners: "You’ve drawn lucky ticket. In two months’ time, it’ll be hell for you lot here". VIDEO Brigadier General Andrii Biletsky, commander of the Third Army Corps, spoke with Russian prisoners of war captured by the corps’ troops during the ‘Vivaldi’ offensive. 27 066 38 Previously in trend: Operation Vivaldi
Three ruscists ceased resistance and surrendered after Special Operations Forces operators raided enemy position. VIDEO Operators of the Special Operations Forces entered the enemy’s rear and captured three Russian service members in one of the operational sectors. 3 676 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
Assault on positions south of Zapadne: fighters from 23rd Regiment of R.U.G. took occupier prisoner and advanced. VIDEO Soldiers from the 23rd Assault Regiment of the R.U.G. carried out a successful assault operation south of the village of Zapadne, during which they destroyed Russian troops’ positions, took one occupier prisoner and established control over the area. 3 024 0 Previously in trend: Fighting in the Kupіansk direction
Operators of 3rd Special Operations Forces Regiment ambush and capture Russian scout at border with Russia. VIDEO Operators of the 3rd Regiment of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces set up an ambush and captured a Russian soldier during special operations in an area near the border with Russia. 4 370 6 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
Marines from 40th Marine Brigade, during Operation ’Audit’, cleared 5 km² in Pokrovsk direction and captured two Russian soldiers. VIDEO Ukrainian marines carried out Operation ‘Audit’, during which they detected Russian troops and cleared an area of approximately 5 km² of enemy forces in the Pokrovsk sector. 3 396 3 Previously in trend: Close-quarters combat Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers
South Korea has accused Zelenskyy of revealing secret operation to hand over DPRK prisoners of war South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed regret that Ukraine had publicly announced the handover of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. He described this as a breach of the non-disclosure agreement. Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced this the previous day at the UN General Assembly. 31 042 184 Previously in trend: prisoners of war of the DPRK
Special forces set up ambush near border in Kharkiv region and captured Russian scout: "Don’t do anything stupid and you’ll live". VIDEO In the Kharkiv sector, Ukrainian special forces set up an ambush near the state border with the Russian Federation and captured a Russian military intelligence officer who was using a drone to map out routes for the movement of enemy forces. 7 656 16 Previously in trend: Fighting in Kharkiv direction
Ukraine has handed over two captured North Koreans to South Korea, - Zelenskyy Ukraine recently handed over to South Korea two North Korean prisoners of war who had been captured on the battlefield. 3 655 21 Previously in trend: prisoners of war of the DPRK Cooperation between the DPRK and Russia
225th Assault Regiment soldiers thwart Russian assault by two AFVs: 19 occupiers eliminated, driver surrenders. VIDEO Soldiers of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment thwarted an attempt by Russian occupiers to break through to Ukrainian positions in two armoured vehicles carrying assault troops. During the battle, 19 occupiers were eliminated, while the driver of one of the AFVs surrendered. 7 866 10 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers Repelling assault
SOF operators capture two ruscists and direct artillery fire at another group of occupiers in Donetsk region. VIDEO During combat operations in the Donetsk region, soldiers of the 8th Regiment of the Special Operations Forces eliminated two Russian occupiers and captured two more. 6 110 4 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers
"Stugna" special forces from Defence Intelligence stormed Russian positions in Zaporizhzhia and took occupiers prisoner. VIDEO Special forces from the ‘Stugna’ unit of the Defence Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence carried out a series of assault operations in the Zaporizhzhia sector and took Russian occupiers prisoner. 5 092 3 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction
6th SOF Rangers Regiment raids Russian rear: two occupiers eliminated, two captured. VIDEO Service members of the 6th Rangers Regiment of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) eliminated two Russian troops and captured two more during a raid behind enemy lines. 4 359 9 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers
Five Colombian mercenaries serving in Russian army surrendered to fighters of 33rd SMB. VIDEO A video has been published online showing the surrender of foreign mercenaries who were sent by the Russian command to their deaths in Ukraine. 8 573 9 Previously in trend: Captured Russian mercenaries
SOF operators launched surprise attack and captured two occupiers in Donetsk region. VIDEO Footage showing the professional work of Ukrainian special forces has been published online. 4 177 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
SHADOW PACK SOF operators ambush enemy and take control of enemy-held area: 2 occupiers eliminated, 1 captured. VIDEO On one of the operational axes, the enemy attempted to establish a foothold, creating conditions for a further build-up of personnel and offensive operations. 3 958 3 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers
Russian special services are stepping up their efforts to recruit relatives of Ukrainian prisoners of war, - SSU. VIDEO The Security Service of Ukraine has noted an increase in attempts by Russian intelligence services to recruit Ukrainians whose relatives are being held captive in Russia. 1 468 1 Previously in trend: Russia’s recruitment of Ukrainians for sabotage
SOF operators from 6th Regiment raid enemy position and capture two occupiers. VIDEO Operators of the 6th Ranger Regiment of the Special Operations Forces conducted a special operation while carrying out a combat mission near the state border and captured two Russian servicemen. 3 632 3 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
Fighters of 425th Skelia Regiment take prisoner African man sent to front by Russia. VIDEO Daniel Pomo from Zimbabwe travelled to Russia to earn money but, instead of working on a farm, ended up fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine. 3 707 13 Previously in trend: African mercenaries of Russian army Captured Russian mercenaries
Soldier Andrii Redko died after returning from Russian captivity: "His heart gave out" Andrii Redko, a Ukrainian soldier from the Sumy region, died after returning from Russian captivity. He spent more than two years in captivity, where he endured torture and starvation. 15 094 11 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine Detention conditions of POWs
Prisoner exchange takes place: Ukraine brings 103 soldiers home. VIDEO&PHOTOS Today, 19 August 2026, another prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. 4 614 17 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
At least 375 Ukrainians died in Russian captivity. They were subjected to torture – Lubinets The deaths of at least 375 Ukrainian citizens in Russian captivity have now been officially confirmed. Their bodies were returned home as part of "on the shield" exchanges. They were Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages. 1 250 8 Previously in trend: Detention conditions of POWs Torture of POWs in Russian prisons
Russia manipulates prisoner lists, accusing Ukraine of refusing to take back its citizens – Lubinets. VIDEO Russia uses disinformation and manipulation of lists of prisoners of war as a tool of psychological pressure on Ukraine and the relatives of Ukrainian defenders. 721 2 Previously in trend: Ukrainians in Russian captivity
Special forces from DIU’s "BAT-13" and "ARATTA" units carried out raid on enemy positions and took Russian soldier prisoner. VIDEO Special forces from the Main Intelligence Directorate carried out a raid in an enemy-held settlement and captured a ruscist. 3 534 2 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
"He gave her red roses": occupier raped woman from Donetsk Oblast every night, - media. VIDEO For the first time in Ukraine, a Russian soldier held as a prisoner of war is standing trial on charges of sexually assaulting a civilian woman during the war. According to the investigation, the occupier raped a woman from the Donetsk region for almost two months, threatening to kill her. 11 203 27 Previously in trend: Atrocities and sexual violence in the occupied territories Investigation of Russian war crimes
"This evil must be defeated": civilian hostage Oleh Kotov has died after more than four years in Russian captivity Oleh Kotov, a former civilian hostage whom Russia illegally held captive for more than four years, died after returning to Ukraine. Following his release, doctors diagnosed him with cancer that had metastasized extensively. 5 045 5 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine
Marines of 36th Separate Marine Brigade thwart staged Russian video about "capture" of settlement in Donetsk region and take two occupiers with tricolor prisoner. VIDEO Soldiers of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynskyi thwarted another attempt by the Russian occupiers to produce a propaganda video purporting to show an advance in the Donetsk region. 4 006 8 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Russian propaganda
Unique "Khartiia" operation near Kupiansk: hero on shield and captured ruscist were evacuated on single UGV. VIDEO Soldiers from the 13th Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard, ‘Khartiia’, carried out a unique evacuation operation near Kupiansk, using ground-based robotic systems to fulfil two important tasks simultaneously. 6 253 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Fighting in the Kupіansk direction Unmanned Ground Vehicles UGVs
SOF operators wake sleeping occupiers in hideouts and capture them without firing single shot. VIDEO Operators from a unit of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) captured two Russian servicemen without firing a single shot after discovering them in well-camouflaged hideouts. 6 315 12 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
Fighters of 6th SOF Regiment Rangers approach occupiers to distance of one meter, wipe out position and take two prisoner. VIDEO Operators from the Rangers special operations group of the 6th Regiment of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) carried out a successful raid on Russian positions in one of the operational sectors. 7 591 7 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers
Soldiers of 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade capture occupier who infiltrated Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka to film propaganda video. VIDEO Servicemen from a mobile fire group of the anti-aircraft missile battalion of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign captured a Russian soldier in the Kostiantynivka sector. 5 478 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Russian propaganda
SOF fighters covertly infiltrated enemy settlement, carried out mop-up operation and took ruscist prisoner. VIDEO Operatives from Group ‘F’ of the 1st Detachment of the 144th Special Operations Forces Centre carried out a successful special operation in one of the operational sectors, during which they captured a Russian serviceman and cleared a designated sector of the settlement. 3 488 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
Fighters of Defence Intelligence’s International Legion clear occupiers’ positions near Stepnohirsk and capture ruscist. VIDEO Fighters of the Revenge Tactical Group of the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine successfully cleared Russian positions near Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region. 3 288 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction foreign volunteers in the armed forces
Russian media reported that Russia is preparing new prisoner exchange with Ukraine Russia has announced that it is preparing a new prisoner-of-war exchange with Ukraine. At the same time, the Ukrainian side has not officially confirmed that a new phase of the exchange will take place in the near future. 1 185 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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