Ukrainian servicemen taken prisoner often try to minimize their role in combat operations, according to a Russian reconnaissance soldier from the Center group of forces with the call sign Chaba, who spoke to the Zvezda television channel.

He recalled one captured Ukrainian soldier who insisted that he had been on his way to surrender. During the conversation, however, it emerged that the serviceman had been serving since February. Chaba pointed to the contradiction, noting that the man’s account effectively suggested he had spent all that time heading toward captivity.

According to the scout, such explanations are common. Captured troops frequently describe themselves as cooks or claim they had already intended to lay down their weapons before encountering Russian soldiers.

Chaba stressed that these servicemen are usually located in territory controlled by the opposing side and feel secure there until Russian reconnaissance groups appear.

Reaching the enemy rear can require scouts to cover as much as 30 kilometers. Their routes run through difficult aerial conditions, while the soldiers carry everything needed to operate autonomously.