08/17/2024

Cells are Full of Young Russian Conscripts In a Ukrainian Prison

Their capture poses a significant challenge for the Kremlin

In the basement of a prison in northeastern Ukraine, dozens of Russian soldiers — some wounded, most barely adults — sat huddled on metal bunk beds Friday, dressed in mismatched T-shirts and flip flops. In one tile-floored cell secured with a heavy metal door, Garfield played on a TV in the corner.

These prisoners of war are not seasoned fighters who were caught in battle in Ukraine, but Russian soldiers captured at home after a surprise Ukrainian incursion into Russia last week. Many are among Russia’s youngest men: conscripts fulfilling their year-long mandatory military service who were never supposed to see combat, let alone enter Ukraine.

The capture of so many unprepared young men poses a significant challenge for the Kremlin. It also serves as a test case for Ukraine on how to handle such a large number of Russian POWs who could be seen as especially valuable bargaining chips in future negotiations or exchanges.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.