- Category
- Latest news
Russia Claims It’s Recruiting Ukrainian POWs to Fight—A Violation of Geneva Conventions
- Authors
![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russian state media have circulated statements by Viktor Vodolatsky, a deputy of the Russian State Duma, alleging the formation of military units from captured Ukrainian soldiers to be deployed to the front lines.
According to Defense Express on July 30, Vodolatsky also claimed that Ukrainian prisoners of war are returned to service in Ukraine after undergoing verification—an assertion that Ukrainian officials strongly deny.
The Ukrainian defense outlet, citing intelligence sources, emphasized that such statements represent another information campaign by the Kremlin aimed at discrediting Ukraine and misrepresenting the treatment of POWs. These claims, if acted upon, would constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Specifically, Article 129 of the Third Geneva Convention prohibits compelling prisoners of war to serve in the armed forces of the enemy. Forcing or attempting to coerce POWs into fighting for the opposing side is categorized as a grave breach, equivalent to torture or inhumane treatment.
Ukrainian intelligence has documented cases where Russian forces reportedly attempted to pressure prisoners into service by using threats or physical coercion, including threats against family members.
However, such efforts have failed to produce the outcomes promoted by Russian propaganda, with no substantial evidence of organized units composed of Ukrainian POWs being deployed in combat.
Over the past three years of full-scale war, Russia has repeatedly claimed the existence of pro-Russian Ukrainian military formations, including the so-called “Khmelnytskyi Battalion,” “Kryvonos Battalion,” and “Pushkar Unit.”
According to Ukrainian intelligence, these formations have never been verified nor observed participating in combat operations.
Defense Express sources further stated that the number of known collaborators among Ukrainian POWs willing to join Russian forces has consistently remained minimal, limited to a few dozen individuals at most. As such, public claims about forming full-scale combat units from prisoners appear to be unfounded.
Upon release, Ukrainian POWs undergo rehabilitation and receive medical care. They are given the option to either return to civilian life or voluntarily resume military service, in full accordance with Ukrainian law and international standards.
Earlier, Le Monde reported that Russia is facing a severe labor crisis, driven by war casualties, a shrinking workforce, and an aging population. The Kremlin will need to add nearly 11 million workers to the economy by 2030, but low birth rates, high male mortality, and mass military recruitment are accelerating the decline.
-0158b6b681e3668f470de36aedad9e3c.jpg "Russian Su-24 bomber moments before Ukrainian drone strike, Crimea. (Source: HUR)")
