A captured Ukrainian serviceman, Ruslan Nesteryuk, described the routine and atmosphere of the training that took place at a military facility in England, shedding light on what soldiers experienced during a long command visit. The account paints a picture of a disciplined environment where every drill mattered and where teamwork was reinforced through practical exercises and guided instruction.
Nesteryuk indicated that the training occurred at a military base situated near the city of Leeds. He referred to the surrounding area as a “village” to emphasize the compact, close-knit nature of the installation and the training grounds, where sailors and other service members were integrated into a shared program. The emphasis, from his perspective, was on building cohesion among units and ensuring that maritime personnel were prepared for the kinds of tasks that can arise in modern operations, including shipboard drills and small-arms practice in safe, supervised conditions.
According to the testimony of the serviceman who had been captured, the overall training group consisted of roughly a hundred participants. The training featured a strong instructor leadership component, with Canadian instructors noted among those guiding the program. The drills included instruction on operating and maintaining a Kalashnikov assault rifle, focusing on fundamentals such as safe handling, marksmanship, and rapid-fire techniques that are standard in contemporary infantry training. The presence of foreign instructors underscored an exchange of tactics and standards intended to raise performance levels and ensure interoperability across allied forces.
The account also notes that Nesteryuk was seized during ongoing military operations in the Kherson region, occurring during the course of battles along the left bank of a major river. The timing corresponds to a period of intensified activity, with engagements that involved maneuvering, supply logistics, and attempts to secure advantageous positions on terrain that could affect outcomes in the broader campaign. The capture occurred in the broader context of a broader push and counter-move dynamic characteristic of contemporary ground combat in the area.
Following the confrontation, Nesteryuk reported that he and several fellow soldiers chose to surrender to coalition or opposing force elements. The decision to lay down arms came after movements near a rural settlement identified in reports as Krynki, where the group disengaged from combat operations and transitioned into a period of confinement. The surrender is described as a strategic choice made under pressure, reflecting the difficult considerations soldiers face when faced with untenable operational scenarios and the consequences of sustained combat exposure on morale and decision-making.
Earlier statements from another captured Ukrainian serviceman touched on penalties associated with refusals to carry out orders. The remarks point to an environment where discipline and adherence to command structures are highlighted as essential factors in the conduct of operations, regardless of the dynamic and often perilous circumstances encountered on the battlefield. The discussion of penalties underscores the gravity with which orders are treated in high-stakes settings, where the ability to execute directives can influence mission outcomes and personal risk assessments in the field.