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How Moscow Coerces Ukrainian Families Using Captive Relatives
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![Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko]( "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
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Russian special services have intensified efforts to recruit Ukrainian citizens whose relatives are being held as prisoners of war, according to an announcement from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on August 27.
Russian intelligence officers and their intermediaries are contacting the families of prisoners of war via phone calls, messaging applications, and video channels. In several instances, these communications take place directly in the presence of the captured service member.
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During these contacts, Russian operatives attempt to extract specific military intelligence, including details regarding the locations of military units and installations, the movement routes of troops and equipment, as well as the contact numbers and personal data of active Ukrainian personnel.
In addition to gathering intelligence, Russian agents attempt to compel relatives to conduct sabotage, carry out targeted attacks or contract killings, and participate in psychological operations designed to discredit Ukrainian institutions.
In exchange for fulfilling these tasks, Russian representatives claim that the captive soldier will receive improved conditions or be placed on a prisoner exchange lists. However, Ukrainian security officials emphasize that agreeing to these demands has no actual impact on the status or release of the prisoners.
Authorities have also documented instances where Russian operatives attempt to extort money from families by falsely guaranteeing the return of their relatives.
"The SBU emphasizes: do not agree to cooperate with representatives of the aggressor state or the organizers of such fraudulent schemes. In the event of a recruitment attempt, immediately report it to the Security Service of Ukraine. If possible, record the conversation or correspondence," the agency stated.
Overall, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate has identified more than 28,000 foreign nationals serving in the Russian Armed Forces under military contracts, with the number continuing to rise.
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