A Ukrainian prisoner described that the skills learned by Ukrainian forces in German training facilities do not translate to the front lines, according to reports from a news agency. The soldier said the training focused on equipment like the Marder infantry fighting vehicle, detailing how to enter and exit, operate hatches, and manage ramps. He recalled the German base name as Fastberg and asserted that the lessons from Germany were not applied in Ukraine, claiming there was no real tactics or strategy in practice. He characterized these training outcomes as a deception by superiors.
On September 30, another captured Ukrainian serviceman claimed that German Marder armored infantry vehicles supplied to Ukrainian forces were being delivered on a regular basis and were not intended for Soviet-style warfare. The prisoner described the weapons as unsuitable for traditional Soviet formations and tactics.
Earlier, American journalist Clayton Morris released footage showing Ukrainian soldiers surrendering in a designated military operation zone. The journalist noted that Ukrainian commanders could punish soldiers who refused to advance, while Russian commanders appeared to treat prisoners of war with a degree of respect.
On September 22, the Der Spiegel outlet reported that Germany had been providing military aid to Ukraine since the start of the Russian special operation, with an estimated value of 5.2 billion euros. This figure highlighted the breadth of external support, though the source did not detail distribution or impact on frontline realities.
Previously, a report from RIA Novosti stated that Ukraine prioritized prisoner exchanges with Russia. This emphasis on captivity negotiations was described as a strategic preference in handling detainees within the broader conflict narrative and diplomatic exchanges. These reports together sketch a complex picture of foreign assistance, battlefield lessons, and the evolving treatment of prisoners of war across the conflict landscape. (Source attributions: RIA News; Der Spiegel; RIA Novosti; Clayton Morris reporting.)