Number of Russian POWs in Ukraine rises, one in five surrender voluntarily – intelligence

In recent weeks, Ukraine's exchange fund has increased by more than 200 Russian prisoners of war. One in five surrendered to Ukrainian defenders voluntarily 

Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, said this at a briefing at the Ukraine Media Centre.

"Over the past weeks, the number of prisoners of war in Ukraine has increased significantly," Yusov said.

It is reported that during several weeks of active defensive and offensive operations by Ukrainian defenders, the exchange fund has increased by more than 200 Russian prisoners.

"This means that it will be easier to return our people. Out of this number, every fifth surrendered voluntarily," the intelligence representative said, adding that from 3 to 5 Russian soldiers surrender every day with the help of the "I Want to Live" programme.

Yusov noted that among the captured Russians there are officers, not just privates. However, the exact number of Russian officers in captivity is unknown