Ukrainian prisoners of war and defectors have been gathered into a Russian battalion to face Ukrainian forces — why? And how?
Russia has announced a battalion consisting of Ukrainian "volunteers." But veterans and former prisoners of war share very different accounts.
Pavlo Oliynyk, a former Ukrainian lieutenant, defected to join the Maksym Kryvonis battalion, a Russian unit composed of Ukrainian prisoners of war and defectors. Oliynyk endured severe torture and psychological abuse while held captive by Russia, motivating him to switch sides. This unit, named after a 17th-century Cossack, has reportedly engaged in combat, though its exact size remains uncertain.
Russian experts claim it's a ploy to divert attention from the existence of Russian volunteer units within Ukraine. Human rights groups argue the recruits were coerced, citing testimonies of torture and duress. Despite this, some Oliynyk claims he initially refused to join Russian forces, only accepting the fourth offer to flee the country. He asserts he was not formally charged with treason as he fled before his first deployment.
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