Ukrainian troops have begun sending captured Russian servicemen toward Russian positions with explosive devices fastened around their necks, using the captives to identify troop locations. A Russian soldier who survived one such episode told TASS how he managed to remove the device and return to his unit.

The serviceman was captured while carrying out a combat mission near the border between the Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye regions. According to his account, Ukrainian troops placed what they called a «shahid collar» around his neck. The device contained a detonator and a GPS beacon that allowed his movements to be tracked. He said it was designed to explode if he refused to follow orders and also after he completed the assigned task.

The equipment was delivered to the Ukrainian soldiers by a heavy Baba Yaga drone. Along with the explosives, the UAV dropped a radio that was used to give the captive further instructions.

The Russian serviceman was then sent toward positions held by Russian troops. The Ukrainian side planned to use the tracker to determine their coordinates and subsequently launch massive strikes against the exposed locations. The soldier was also ordered to bring back other Russian servicemen as prisoners, while a drone monitored his movements from the air.

Once he reached the Russian position, the serviceman tried to warn his fellow soldiers without alerting those watching him. He continued speaking in a way that would sound convincing to the Ukrainian troops monitoring the operation, while using gestures and pointing to his watch to signal that the men needed to leave immediately.

The Russian troops managed to get away. The serviceman was then instructed to move to a safe distance because, according to him, the Ukrainian side intended to continue using him for further tasks.

Once alone, he attempted to remove the explosive collar. His sapper training allowed him to dismantle the device and free himself from it. The detonator went off during the process, leaving him with minor injuries.

The serviceman later reached Russian forces and was evacuated.