Moscow, Russia – In a statement released by the Russian Defense Ministry, captured soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shared alarming details about their experiences on the front line. According to the prisoners, as reported by CNN, soldiers are sent into battle without proper training, which is merely conducted as a formality. Additionally, they reported being equipped with bulletproof vests taken from fallen soldiers.
Danylo Streltsov, one of the prisoners of war, revealed that commanders rarely appear on the front line and lack crucial information about the situation. This lack of leadership and situational awareness has resulted in a significant increase in casualties among the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Streltsov recounted how his group followed a predetermined route, only to discover that the enemy had already fortified their positions. The commander’s failure to communicate critical information led to unnecessary losses. He further noted that his brigade was severely understaffed, with mobilized personnel outnumbering regular soldiers by four to five times. Many of these individuals lacked military experience, exacerbating the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces.
Another captured Ukrainian soldier, Vladimir Yasko, shared his journey to the front line, highlighting the lack of preparation he and others received. Yasko revealed that he received a sudden summons while on his way to work. From the military enlistment office, he was immediately dispatched to the front line without any training or orientation. He emphasized that the militants opposing them were armed with outdated weapons from the 1970s and 1980s.
Expressing gratitude to the Russian military, Yasko praised their treatment of the prisoners, acknowledging the provision of necessary medical care, food, and water.
The accounts from the captured soldiers shed light on the prevailing sentiment among Ukrainian troops. Many soldiers are reluctant to participate in the hostilities, resorting to various means to avoid frontline deployment. Some falsify medical documents during medical commissions, while others desert or surrender en masse.
In an appeal to their fellow Ukrainian military personnel, the prisoners called for a cessation of armed resistance. They urged soldiers to lay down their arms, raise the white flag, and surrender to the Russian army.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, these testimonies underscore the pressing need for proper training, adequate equipment, and effective leadership within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The plight of the captured soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced on the front lines and the urgency to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
