From Dw · · 1m 10s
Ukrainian POWs Join Russian Battalions
Former Ukrainian soldiers defect to Russian forces after torture, seeking escape from captivity.
In brief
Former Ukrainian soldiers defect to Russian forces after torture, seeking escape from captivity. Ukrainian prisoners of war joined Russian battalions to escape Russian captivity, claiming they were forced to sign contracts under psychological pressure. Originally reported by Dw.
Pavlo Oliynyk's Escape
Pavlo Oliynyk, 25, joined Russian forces to escape Russian captivity after being tortured as a Ukrainian POW.
“Ukrainian volunteers consist mostly of POWs”
Maksym Kryvonis Battalion
The Maksym Kryvonis battalion, named after a 17th-century Cossack commander, has about 200 fighters according to Russian media.
Ukrainian POWs in Combat
Ukrainian intelligence services confirm over 30 former Ukrainian servicemen joined Russian forces between 2023 and 2024.
Forced Recruitment
Ukrainian POWs were pressured to join Russian forces after being tortured, with some signing contracts under psychological duress.
“They showed us they could do anything they wanted to us”
Torture and Control
POWs reported torture, beatings, and surveillance by Russian intelligence while receiving monthly wages in envelopes.
Escape Attempt
Oliynyk fled to Ukrainian territory after two days hiding from drones before making contact with Ukrainian fighters.
Current Status
Oliynyk is now detained in Ukraine for nearly two years while authorities investigate possible treason.
The bottom line
Ukrainian prisoners of war joined Russian battalions to escape Russian captivity, claiming they were forced to sign contracts under psychological pressure.
