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The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to the capture of over 10,000 Russian soldiers, according to the latest report by the Coordination Headquarters. The data reveals a rising trend in the number of captured servicemen, highlighting a growing proportion of foreign mercenaries among them. Ukrainian defense forces have thwarted multiple offensives, leading to significant detentions. Notably, efforts to exchange prisoners on a large-scale basis, following the "all for all" principle, face challenges due to Russia's reluctance. This development has marked a notable turning point in the conflict's dynamic, with volunteer fighters from the United States and Georgia, as well as Ukrainian border guards, actively participating in these operations. Captures have spanned various regions including Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv, underscoring a strategic push by Ukrainian forces. The "I Want to Live" project plays a crucial role in documenting these captures, bringing to light the complex interplay of forces in the war.

How many Russian soldiers have been captured in the Ukraine conflict?

More than 10,000 Russian soldiers have been captured by Ukrainian forces since the full-scale war began. This number includes a significant portion of foreign mercenaries and highlights the ongoing challenges and operations by Ukraine's defense forces. The capture reports are part of a broader strategic effort to counter Russian offensives and involve diverse international volunteer support.

What is the "I Want to Live" project related to Ukrainian captures?

The "I Want to Live" project is an initiative that compiles and publishes comprehensive statistics on the capture of Russian servicemen during the Ukraine-Russia conflict. It seeks to provide transparency and detailed accounting of captured occupiers, emphasizing the sharp increase in numbers and the involvement of international actors in these operations.

What challenges are there in exchanging captured soldiers?

The main challenge in exchanging captured soldiers lies in Russia's refusal to participate in broad exchanges under the "all for all" principle. While Ukraine has expressed willingness to engage in these exchanges, the negotiation process has been complicated, hindering large-scale swaps and raising geopolitical and humanitarian considerations.

Are there international volunteers involved in capturing Russian soldiers?

Yes, international volunteers have been increasingly involved in operations leading to the capture of Russian soldiers. Notably, American and Georgian fighters have actively participated alongside Ukrainian units, demonstrating the global dimension of support against Russian aggression. Their involvement highlights the international coalition forming in support of Ukraine.

Which areas in Ukraine see the most captures of Russian occupiers?

Key areas with significant captures of Russian soldiers include the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv regions. These regions are focal points of intense military operations. The strategic positioning by Ukrainian forces has resulted in numerous offensive successes and large numbers of prisoners, reflecting the conflict's focal battle zones.

Do foreign mercenaries form a significant portion of the captured forces?

Yes, foreign mercenaries have been identified as a notable segment of the captured occupiers, underscoring the multinational aspect of the Russian forces engaged in the conflict. This revelation points to the diverse composition of the adversary forces and poses additional challenges for Ukrainian defense and diplomatic efforts.

What strategies do Ukrainian forces employ for capturing Russian soldiers?

Ukrainian forces employ various strategies such as counterattacks, strategic positioning, and coordinated efforts with special operation units and international volunteers. Key strategies also involve intelligence operations and the use of technology like drones to detect and intercept enemy positions effectively, resulting in the capture of occupiers.

How are the conditions for captured Russian soldiers reported?

Reports indicate that Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine do not complain about the conditions of their detention. This factor is important in international monitoring and human rights discussions, as it reflects Ukraine's commitments to treatment standards and affects potential future negotiation processes for prisoner exchanges.

What impact have captured soldiers had on Russia's military strategy?

The capture of a large number of its soldiers has put a strain on Russia's military strategy, forcing it to reconsider its operational approaches and resource allocations. This pressure has tactical and morale implications, contributing to challenges in sustaining prolonged engagements without significant personnel costs.

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Related TOP news captured occupiers

American volunteer fighter captures Russian occupiers Volunteer fighter from United States and his comrades capture occupiers in Luhansk region: "On your knees, please". VIDEO Bruce, an American volunteer fighter from the 63rd Mechanised Brigade assault group, captured Russian occupiers together with his comrades during the clearing of the Serebryanskyi Forest in the Luhansk region. 14 160 64 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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. 8 306 28 Previously in trend: AFU captured occupiers in Kursk region captured occupiers

Two Russian occupiers Two occupiers can’t grasp they’ve been captured: "Where are our weapons?" - "You’re prisoners, wake up.". VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers captured two occupiers who were heading to reinforce a seized position. 23 801 31 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Interview with captured Russian officer Сompany commander from St Petersburg surrendered with his subordinates. Lieutenant Vladislav Balgrabsky. VIDEO Lieutenant Vladislav Balgrabsky, a company commander of the Russian army, withdrew the remnants of his company from their position in Kharkiv region and voluntarily surrendered to the fighters of the 13th National Guard Brigade "Charter" along with his subordinates. 31 088 41 Previously in trend: interview with captured occupier captured occupiers

UGV captures Russians "It’s just fantastic": Ukrainian combat robot captures three occupiers. VIDEO The technological advantage of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is reaching a new level, where the physical presence of an infantryman is no longer always necessary to capture the enemy. According to Censor.NET, unique footage has been published online showing a Ukrainian ground robotic complex (UGV) single-handedly capturing three invaders. 17 531 75 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Unmanned technologies

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. 8 363 19 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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. 12 410 79 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. 13 603 32 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Case against occupier

National Guard captures Russian infantry in Kupiansk sector National Guard captures Russian infantrymen in Kupiansk direction. VIDEO In the Kupyansk direction, fighters of the 2nd operational battalion of the 15th brigade of the Kara-Dag NGU captured a group of Russian infantry. 9 488 20 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Special forces of the SBGS’s DOZOR of 53rd Brigade captured two occupiers in the Lyman direction Special forces "DOZOR" captured sniper and Russian communications officer in Lyman direction. VIDEO In Donetsk Oblast, special forces of the State Border Guard Service and the Armed Forces of Ukraine added a sniper and a communications officer from the Russian Federation to the exchange fund. 6 900 18 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Hostilities in Lyman sector

occupier surrenders Occupier surrenders to Ukrainian drone. VIDEO After a direct hit on a Russian dugout, an enemy soldier decides to surrender to a drone. 5 063 20 Previously in trend: Drones against occupiers captured occupiers

Russian soldier surrenders to Ukrainian Armed Forces He shouted "glory to russia" and then surrendered: occupier himself came out to AFU soldiers. VIDEO In the Toretsk sector, fighters of the "Khyzhak" brigade of the Patrol Police Department, together with the 28th Separate Mechanised Brigade, captured a 22-year-old Russian soldier from Astrakhan. 7 502 13 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Zelenskyy: Russian who shot Ukrainian POWs in Kursk captured Armed Forces of Ukraine capture Russian responsible for shooting Ukrainian POWs in Kursk region, Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s Armed Forces have taken prisoner a Russian invader who shot Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia’s Kursk region in October 2024. 7 085 22 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Execution of Ukrainian POWs

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." 4 580 30 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Fighters captured Russian millionaire fraudster Captured dollar millionaire from Novosibirsk. VIDEO Klimov Daniil Nikolaevich, 29.04.2004, a serviceman of the 74th Brigade of the RF Armed Forces, 1444th Regiment. A dollar millionaire, an "officer" from Novosibirsk. For 2.5 years, his call centre has been extorting money from Russians. 15 561 26 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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. 9 640 22 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Azov soldiers describe what is happening in the Pokrovsk direction Reconnaissance troops of 1st Corps of NGU "Azov" captured ruscists who killed Ukrainian soldier: situation in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO Reconnaissance men of the 14th Operational Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Chervona Kalyna" captured a group of Russian occupiers. 17 018 14 Previously in trend: Russian assault on Pokrovsk direction Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

SOF captured six occupiers. Video of operation SOF soldiers captured six occupiers behind enemy lines: "If you don’t get out you’re f#cked up, you’re surrounded". VIDEO During special operations behind enemy lines, the SOF soldiers forced six Russian soldiers to surrender. 14 734 34 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Border guards captured a 61-year-old Russian man in the Pokrovsk area Ukrainian border guards capture 61-year-old Russian serviceman in Pokrovsk – SBGS. VIDEO Fighters from the Rapid Response Border Commandant’s Office of the 105th Border Detachment captured a 61-year-old Russian Army serviceman in the Pokrovsk area. 5 421 29 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Ukrainian Armed Forces capture Russian soldiers in Donetsk region National Guard troops captured group of Russian infantrymen in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO In the Pokrovsk direction in Donetsk region, fighters of a special purpose reconnaissance company of the 14th operational brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Chervona Kalyna" captured at least five Russian servicemen. 9 403 9 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Soldiers captured a Russian Soldiers of 63rd SMB captured occupier: "I didn’t shoot. I was looking for food. I haven’t eaten for six days". VIDEO Soldiers of the 63rd Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine tracked down and captured a Russian occupier. 9 280 13 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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. 8 255 30 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

interview with captured Russian Captured Russian: "Prices were raised for everything. We didn’t have enough money... I signed contract. My wife said I was f#cking idiot". VIDEO A video has been published online showing fragments of a conversation with a captured Russian, Vladimir Shayakhmetov, from the 1232nd Separate Motorised Rifle Regiment. 10 016 30 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Two Russian soldiers were captured by the State Border Guard Service in the Kupiansk direction. Posing as Ukrainian troops: Two ruscists captured on Kupiansk direction. VIDEO Soldiers from the "Pomsta" Brigade captured two servicemen from the Russian military unit "Storm-Z" on the Kupiansk direction. 7 217 19 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Ukrainian Armed Forces capture DPRK soldiers Russian prisoners do not complain about conditions of detention - Lubinets During the exchange, which took place on March 19, 2025, employees of the Ombudsman's Office talked to Russian prisoners of war. 1 626 20 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap captured occupiers

SBU Alpha fighters evacuated and captured the occupiers using a ground drone. Security Service of Ukraine Alpha fighters captures Russian soldier using Droid TW-12.7 ground robot. VIDEO DevDroid has published for the first time footage of the evacuation of a Russian prisoner of war using an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). 4 755 7 Previously in trend: captured occupiers robotic ground complex SSU special operation

Russian surrenders After drone attack, "three hundredth" Russian read Ukrainian leaflet with offer to surrender and raised his hands up. VIDEO The occupier surrendered to Ukrainian soldiers after being wounded by a Ukrainian drone attack. 9 490 11 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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. 20 819 13 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Ukraine SOF raid in Donetsk region captures two Russian troops Soldiers of 8th SOF Regiment capture two ruscists and take control of enemy position in Donetsk region. VIDEO Soldiers of the 8th Special Operations Forces (SOF) Regiment carried out a raid on an enemy position in the Donetsk region. 2 367 6 Previously in trend: Close-quarters combat captured occupiers

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. 2 507 6 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

occupiers, prisoners 24th Brigade soldiers capture paratroopers of Russia’s 98th Division in Chasiv Yar. PHOTOS Soldiers of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo captured paratroopers of the Russian Federation’s 98th Division in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region. 9 044 10 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

captivity Zelenskyy: Since beginning of year, AFU have captured more than 2,000 Russians in Pokrovsk and Dobropillia directions Russian troops are suffering significant losses in the Pokrovsk and Dobropillia areas, and Ukrainian defenders have captured more than 2,000 occupiers since the beginning of the year. 1 099 5 Previously in trend: Situation in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers Situation in Dobropillia direction

Russian surrenders to drone Occupier raises his hands up and surrenders to Ukrainian drone. VIDEO The occupier raised his hands up in the air and surrendered to the Ukrainian drone. 4 118 7 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Three Russian troops surrender to Ukraine’s 155th brigade in Pokrovsk direction 155th Brigade fighters captured three occupiers in one of basements of Pokrovsk. VIDEO Aerial reconnaissance of the 155th Separate Mechanised Brigade recorded the movement of a group of occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction. 3 574 4 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

Ukrainian Armed Forces capture Russians in Toretsk direction Ukrainian defenders captured another group of Russian occupiers in Toretsk direction. VIDEO Ukrainian troops captured another group of Russian occupants in the Toretsk direction. 5 621 6 Previously in trend: Situation in the Toretsk direction captured occupiers

Fighters escort two captured Russians Scouts from 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar" captured two occupiers while clearing positions: "You keep messing around — you’ll get bullet in your head. Got it?". VIDEO Ukrainian defenders continue to drive the enemy out of fortifications in one of the hottest areas of the front line. According to Censor.NET, a unique video of close combat, filmed with a helmet camera by one of the scouts, has appeared online. 7 464 7 Previously in trend: Close-quarters combat captured occupiers

soldiers captured occupiers Two fighters from 67th SMB captured six occupiers in Oleksandrivka direction. VIDEO During search and rescue operations, two soldiers from the 3rd Mechanised Battalion of the 67th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured six Russian servicemen in the Oleksandrivka direction. This became known from a live stream published on 8 December 2025. 5 773 30 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Border guards in the Pokrovsk direction captured the occupier "Guys, don’t come here. This is not your war": captured occupier gives "advice" to invaders. VIDEO In the Pokrovsk direction, border guards captured another occupier who tried to "earn money for repairs". 4 107 9 Previously in trend: interview with captured occupier captured occupiers

18 prisoners in 24 hours: operation by Azov Interbat fighters 18 ruscists were taken prisoner in 24 hours by soldiers of International Battalion of "Azov" Brigade. VIDEO Soldiers from the International Battalion of the 12th Brigade "Azov" captured 18 Russian occupiers in just one day. 5 930 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Russian surrenders Occupier on battlefield raises his hands up in air and looks into camera of Ukrainian drone. VIDEO The Russian on the battlefield raised his hands up in the air and surrendered to the Ukrainian drone. 7 423 10 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

The bound occupiers sit in a trench Replenishing exchange pool: Ukrainian soldiers capture six occupiers. VIDEO Ukraine’s Defense Forces continue to actively replenish the prisoner exchange pool by capturing Russian invaders on various sections of the front. As Censor.NET reports, a video recording of a successful operation has been published online, during which six Russian servicemen were captured. 5 727 9 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Fighters of the 225th regiment eliminated the occupiers, and one of them surrendered. Fighters of 225th Assault Regiment eliminated three occupiers, and one surrendered. VIDEO Soldiers of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment successfully thwarted attempts by Russian forces to press the offensive and launched a counterattack on the occupiers' positions. 3 136 3 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Close-quarters combat captured occupiers Elimination of Russian occupiers

Border guards captured a Russian sent to war without training Border guards captured Russian in Vovchansk direction, - SBGS. VIDEO Ukrainian border guards of the "Forpost" brigade stopped the advance of a group of Russian soldiers on the outskirts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 2 374 3 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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. 7 094 16 Previously in trend: Situation at front captured occupiers

Soldiers capture occupiers near the village of Vilne in Donetsk Oblast Three Ukrainian soldiers captured seven Russian occupiers near village of Vilne in Donetsk Oblast. VIDEO During the clearing of dachas near the village of Vilne, Donetsk region, three Ukrainian stormtroopers from the 25th separate assault battalion "Lynx" captured seven Russian soldiers at once. 7 827 23 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Some Russian prisoners do not want to be exchanged. What is the reason? Some Russian prisoners of war do not want to be exchanged, - Deputy Minister of Justice Pikalov Some prisoners of war of the Russian army do not want to go for an exchange, as they understand that after that the Russians will send them back to the front line. 3 789 16 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap captured occupiers

Border guards in the Pokrovsk direction captured Russians Border guards captured nine occupiers in Pokrovsk direction, - State Border Service of Ukraine. VIDEO On 24 August, on the Independence Day of Ukraine, soldiers of the rapid response of border commandant's office of the Chernihiv border detachment repelled another attack by Russian occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction. 6 448 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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. 3 437 3 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Hostilities in Lyman sector

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