Russian marines spent several weeks operating behind Ukrainian lines, remaining in close proximity to captured Ukrainian servicemen, according to a platoon commander from the 336th Regiment of the 120th Marine Division, call sign «Keiber.» His unit is attached to the «Center» grouping.

He explained that transferring the prisoners to the rear was not possible at the time, as enemy forces were positioned all around, leaving no safe route for evacuation. As a result, the detainees stayed with the unit throughout the operation.

During this period, conversations emerged between the marines and the captured soldiers, focusing in part on everyday life in Russia. The marines spoke about employment and income levels, after which, as Keiber noted, the prisoners began comparing what they heard with their own circumstances and concluded that their command had misled them.

The opportunity to move the prisoners to the rear only arose once the main Russian forces advanced to their position, the commander said.

He described how a wounded serviceman was equipped with a rifle and body armor and tasked with escorting the prisoners. With their hands bound, the detainees walked ahead while remaining under his control, allowing the group to exit the area without incident.

Keiber also added that during these movements, the captured Ukrainian soldiers assisted in evacuating wounded Russian troops from the front line.