Russian soldiers captured by Ukrainian troops told Newsmax they were misled by Moscow authorities and worry they will be returned to fighting if they're sent home.
Ukrainian forces last month pushed into the Kursk region of Russia, just north of their border, in the most extensive incursion by Kyiv's forces in the 2½-year-old war.
The Washington Post reported that Ukrainian troops had captured more than 240 Russian soldiers since their surprise invasion. Many of those captured were conscripts serving their mandatory military service.
"They told us it was almost impossible that we would see combat, and if it happened, we'd be evacuated," a 22-year-old conscript told Newsmax's Shelby Wilder. "I did not think I would be involved in real fighting."
An 18-year-old Russian soldier told Wilder he "didn't expect to be conscripted because I have a child. But, unfortunately, they grabbed me. ... They promised that I would serve only at a training base with no military operations or combat movement."
A 20-year-old conscript said he was "terrified" after seeing incoming shelling when he started his duty.
"They did not tell us where they would send us. They explained our rules only when we reached the new location. They brought us to Sudzha, near the Russia-Ukraine border," the conscript said.
The Russian soldiers who spoke to Wilder also said they largely were abandoned by their superiors when Ukraine launched its cross-border attack.
"On Aug. 6, at around 3 or 4 a.m., we were hit by tank shelling and hid in a basement. We were all so scared and confused. Even the experienced border guards didn't know what to do," the 22-year-old soldier said, "so we escaped from our trenches and Ukrainian soldiers were waiting for us."
The 20-year-old Russian conscript said his officers "told us it was time to surrender because we couldn't hold the position."
"We saw a drone hovering in the air and followed it till me met he Ukrainians,” the soldier said.
The 18-year-old solder said the Russian army had known incursion would happen.
"We discussed it and reported it to out superiors, knowing Ukraine would likely attack but our commanders closed their eyes to it. They told us to just stay, wait, and defend," the soldier said.
The detained Russians also said they were being treated well by Ukraine authorities.
"I did not expect such good conditions here. We have good food, clothes, and everything we need," the 20-year-old said.
"The Ukrainians act fine with us. We are not beaten or tortured. In general, we are satisfied. I'm very grateful for this," the 18-year-old said.
Ukrainians have said the captured Russian soldiers potentially could help with a prisoner exchange. Those detained, though, are not quick to say they want to return home.
"Of course, I want to go home," the 22-year-old said. "But I'm aware that I could be mobilized again."
"I am worried about returning to Russia and being mobilized," said the 18-year-old, who added a message for his countrymen: "I want to say to Russians, do not go to war, so this can stop as soon as possible. We need peace.
"Everyone is tired of war. Every day, more and more people are killed. We don't need to go to war. We have to stop this."
About NEWSMAX TV:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!
- Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
- Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE -- See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.