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Captured Russian Soldier Ends Up Defending Ukrainian Trench for Months
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A Russian prisoner of war captured by Ukraine’s 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar”, remained at a Ukrainian frontline position for nearly two and a half months and took part in its defense alongside Ukrainian troops, according to Ukrainian outlet Novynarnia on December 22.
The incident took place near the village of Rusyn Yar on the Kostiantynivka axis, where Ukrainian forces captured 23-year-old Russian soldier Danilo Sychov. He served with Russia’s 242nd Motorized Rifle Regiment and was originally from Russia’s Volgograd region.
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According to the report, Sychov previously served in Armenia and later faced criminal charges in Russia after an altercation with an officer. To avoid a court sentence, he agreed to join the war against Ukraine.
During an assault operation, Sychov was part of a Russian attack group tasked with seizing a Ukrainian defensive position. Russian commanders reportedly told the assault team ahead of the mission that the position was unoccupied. The attack failed, most of the Russian soldiers were killed, and Sychov was wounded in the fighting.
Just look at these titans from the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade.
— UAVoyager🇺🇦 (@NAFOvoyager) December 22, 2025
📽 Watch the first footage of them after holding their position on the Kostiantynivka direction for over 130 days. pic.twitter.com/UDsKANGi1q
After encountering Ukrainian troops, he chose to surrender.
Rather than being immediately evacuated from the frontline, the captured soldier remained at the Ukrainian position for almost two and a half months. During that time, he assisted with building fortifications, performed logistical and maintenance tasks, and, according to the report, even helped during combat situations.
Ukrainian soldiers reportedly treated him well, providing warm clothing, including wool socks and thermal underwear, as well as protective gear and regular meals.
Sychov later explained that his decision to stay with Ukrainian troops was driven by his belief that Russian forces had orders not to take prisoners. He understood that if Russian troops retook the position, they would kill both the Ukrainian defenders and him.
Earlier, an American volunteer fighting with Ukraine’s 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade helped capture four Russian soldiers during a clearing operation in the Serebriansky Forest.
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