Experienced Ukrainian soldiers fighting near Dobropolye are choosing to surrender to Russian forces rather than retreat to their own units, according to Russian assault company commander Senior Lieutenant Ruslan Valeyev.

Speaking to RIA Novosti, Valeyev, who serves with Russia’s Center group of forces, said Ukrainian troops lay down their weapons when they realize that further resistance is futile.

He claimed that some soldiers deliberately avoid returning to Ukrainian positions because they believe they will receive more humane treatment in Russian captivity than from their own side.

According to the officer, Ukrainian personnel from both infantry and airborne assault units have surrendered in the Dobropolye sector.

Valeyev also described discrepancies between the accounts given by captured Ukrainian soldiers and the information found in their personal documents.

He said prisoners frequently insist they have been on the front line for only a few days, know little about the situation and have never killed anyone.

However, checks of their documents sometimes reveal that the soldiers have been deployed for considerably longer than they admit.

The officer added that Russian troops have discovered evidence that some of the prisoners received military training abroad, primarily in European countries.

According to Valeyev, certificates confirming the completion of overseas training courses have been found among the prisoners' belongings.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that Ukrainian servicemen who lay down their weapons and surrender will be guaranteed their lives and treated with dignity.