"Putin the Liar, Russia Has Already Lost"… Captured Russian Soldier's Tearful Interview

"Putin, Making Us Fascists"

On March 19, Russian soldiers captured in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, are holding a press conference. / Photo by EPA Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Yeeun] Russian prisoners of war captured by the Ukrainian military have exposed the reality of their own forces and harshly criticized Putin.

According to recent reports from the British daily Mirror and others, six Russian soldiers captured by the Ukrainian military tearfully urged their fellow citizens to "stand up against President Putin" during a press conference on the 19th.

Russian soldier Aleksei Zheleznyak stated, "President Putin is bombing hospitals, cities, and civilians without declaring war. The Ukrainian people are brave and united, and they are repelling the Russian forces even without weapons."

He continued, "He (Putin) has deceived not only us but all of Russia. He made us into fascists. Putin is a liar," emphasizing, "No matter how many troops Putin sends, he will not be able to occupy Ukraine."

Another soldier, Mustafev Mugsad, raised his voice, saying, "Ukrainians are hiding in basements for days and facing death. Our acts of aggression will be remembered for hundreds of years," and added, "Russian soldiers, take off your glasses and see what is happening in Ukraine."

He also tearfully stated, "The Russian military has brought sorrow and destruction to the peaceful lives of the Ukrainian people. I oppose Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

Another soldier, Igor Rudenko, said, "President Putin does not retrieve the bodies of the fallen soldiers but throws them all into a huge pit and buries them. Withdraw the troops."

On the same day, CNN in the United States, which directly interviewed three Russian Air Force prisoners, reported, "Because they are prisoners, there is a possibility they were forced to attend the press conference or fabricated their statements, but from direct observation, they did not seem to be under duress."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video speech on the 20th, "Some Russian units have suffered unprecedented losses, losing 80-90% of their forces," and added, "On the fiercely contested frontlines, the bodies of Russian soldiers lie scattered everywhere, and no one retrieves them."

He further stated, "In contrast, Ukrainians have proven that they can fight more professionally than the (Russian) military, which has been engaged in wars in various regions and conditions for decades. We are fighting against numerous equipment and personnel with wisdom and courage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.