(DONETSK REGION, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian Defence Forces have captured 21 Russian soldiers in ongoing operations across the Donetsk region, strengthening what Kyiv describes as its “exchange fund” for future prisoner swaps.
The group was detained by units from the 1st Corps of the Azov National Guard, including the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov”, the 14th Operational Brigade “Chervona Kalina”, the 4th Operational Brigade “Rubizh”, and supporting Airborne Assault Troops.
According to a statement released by the Azov National Guard, some of the Russian servicemen surrendered voluntarily, while others were disarmed during combat in the Dobropillia and Kostyantynivka sectors.
In a video published by Azov, the captured Russian soldiers identified themselves and expressed gratitude to Ukrainian forces for preserving their lives and treating them in line with the Geneva Conventions.
“We, the servicemen of the Russian Federation, express gratitude to the Ukrainian soldiers for saving our lives and for their humane treatment in accordance with the Geneva Convention,” one of the captured soldiers said in the recording.
Ukrainian officials said each captured combatant strengthens Ukraine’s position in future prisoner exchanges and brings the country closer to the safe return of Ukrainian service members held by Russian forces.
The Defence Forces reminded Russian troops that those who lay down their arms are guaranteed safety, while continued resistance will not end favourably.
The Azov statement added that the Ukrainian side “respects international law regarding prisoners of war” and urged other Russian servicemen to surrender instead of risking their lives in what Kyiv calls “a war of aggression ordered by the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.”
The ongoing battles in the Donetsk region remain among the most intense along the eastern front, where Ukrainian units continue to repel Russian assaults while conducting targeted operations to capture enemy personnel and disrupt supply lines.
| Details of Capture | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Dobropillia and Kostyantynivka sectors, Donetsk region |
| Number of Russian soldiers captured | 21 |
| Units involved | 1st Corps of Azov National Guard; 12th “Azov” Brigade; 14th “Chervona Kalina”; 4th “Rubizh”; Airborne Assault Troops |
| Treatment of POWs | In line with Geneva Convention |
| Purpose of capture | Strengthening prisoner exchange fund |
The footage and statement were verified by Ukrainian defence media channels.
