Captured Uzbek soldier: Russia promised citizenship and millions — then sent me to kill

The 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Steel Lions” of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported the incident on social media.

They said the man was wounded during an assault and got lost, eventually ending up at Ukrainian positions, where he was detained. The captured soldier stated that Ukrainian soldiers did not beat or mistreat him and treated him well.

The Uzbek national said he had come to Russia to work in construction due to low wages in his home country. He hoped to gain Russian citizenship and was promised a passport after one year of military service, along with significant financial compensation.

“They paid 2 million rubles. I spent 100,000, sent 800,000 home, and had 1.1 million left on my card,” the prisoner said.

He also admitted that he had never served in the military before and that this was his first time on the front line. After just a few days at the front, he said he realized he didn’t want to fight and regretted the path he had chosen.

“I thought I’d serve in the army and go back home. Turns out this isn’t an army — it’s about killing people,” the POW said.

• Three Ukrainian soldiers were executed by Russian forces after surrendering in Volnovakha. Investigation into the war crime is ongoing.