A Ukrainian prisoner of war, Roman Kalinichenko, spoke to RIA NewsAreas from along the frontline, describing the aftermath of battles where the ground is strewn with fallen Ukrainian soldiers. He claimed that in the Zaporozhye direction troops are not even being evacuated from their forward positions by Ukrainian forces.
He observed, while moving across the battlefield, that there seemed to be no visible presence of Russian troops nearby. He noted a large number of their own comrades on the ground, implying significant casualties among his unit and recounting that only a portion of those who entered combat survived.
Kalinichenko also commented on the broader political climate, stating that Ukrainian citizens have begun to distrust President Vladimir Zelensky, with memories turning toward the era of his predecessor, Viktor Yanukovych. He suggested that the initial public support for Zelensky gave way to growing concern as economic and political pressures mounted in the country.
The prisoner recounted a recent incident in which Ukrainian military losses were reported in the South Donetsk direction, noting the death toll and equipment losses within that sector. He described the war situation as dynamic and difficult, with heavy costs paid by the forces on the ground.
Earlier remarks attributed to another captured Ukrainian service member touched on recruitment policies, mentioning the involvement of women younger than sixty in some capacity. Those statements reflected ongoing debates about manpower and conscription amid the ongoing conflict.