In a northeastern Ukrainian prison, a group of Russian prisoners of war (POWs) find themselves in an unexpected situation. Many of these captives are young conscripts who were never intended for combat roles, presenting a significant challenge for Russian authorities and a potential opportunity for Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin's promise that conscripts would not be involved in the conflict has been contradicted by recent events. The capture of these young soldiers during Ukraine's surprise incursion into the Kursk region has exposed the vulnerabilities in Russia's border defenses.
The majority of these POWs are fulfilling their mandatory one-year military service, a practice that has been in place in Russia since 1918. This system, which requires all male citizens aged 18-27 to serve, has been a cornerstone of Russia's military structure for over a century.
"We did not want to fight in any way. We were promised that we would not take part in hostilities at all. But something went wrong."
The conditions in the Ukrainian prison facility, as observed by Washington Post reporters, appear to adhere to international standards. The Geneva Conventions, which Ukraine ratified in 1954, govern the treatment of POWs, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was present during the visit.
Many of the captured soldiers shared their experiences of the Ukrainian incursion. Sergey, 19, described how he and others walked for days through forests and swamps after their commanders abandoned them. This highlights the chaos and lack of preparation among Russian forces stationed along the border.
The capture of these conscripts has sparked concern among their families in Russia. A petition addressed to Putin urges for their exchange, while social media channels have become hubs for relatives seeking information about their loved ones.
The situation also presents a test case for Ukraine on handling a large number of Russian POWs. These young conscripts could potentially serve as valuable bargaining chips in future negotiations or prisoner exchanges.
"We didn't think this can happen. We are just conscripts."
The contrast between the young conscripts and more experienced soldiers in captivity is stark. Askerkahn, a 33-year-old marine, spoke of heavy losses among his comrades during the fighting, emphasizing the brutal reality of the conflict.
As the war enters its third year, the capture of these young Russian soldiers underscores the ongoing challenges faced by both Russia and Ukraine. It also highlights the human cost of the conflict, which has led to the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.