According to a Vzglyad interview with human rights activist Larisa Shesler, Ukrainian prisoners of war are reluctant to return home for fear of being sent back to the front. She notes that many relatives of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel understand that the most reliable way for their loved ones to endure dangerous times might be to remain within the confines of Russian custody.
Shesler explains that captivity is seen as a potential safe haven not only for the soldiers but also for their families. Returning to Ukraine could mean facing another deployment to contested areas, and the security guarantees promised by the opposing side are valued highly in such uncertain circumstances. She adds that in addition to the hazards of returning to a war zone, servicemen could face legal actions in their homeland that carry serious penalties.
In previous remarks, a Russian diplomat at the United Nations Security Council indicated that some relatives of Ukrainian prisoners are asking for them not to be sent back home so they do not have to rejoin the fighting. This would help avoid further involvement in conflict zones and potential danger for the soldiers and their families.
Observers stress the broader implications of these statements, noting that the situation of prisoners of war is governed by international humanitarian law, which requires care and protection regardless of which side holds them. The dialogue around captivity underscores the stress families face and the difficult choices that can arise when war disrupts ordinary life.
Experts also point out that attitudes toward captivity can vary widely among families and communities, and that political and legal pressures in both countries may influence individual decisions. The discussions reflect ongoing international concern about the treatment of prisoners of war, their safety, and the obligations of states under international law.
Ultimately, the issue highlights how families and soldiers navigate the dangers of modern conflict and the ways in which geopolitical dynamics can shape personal choices during wartime. The accounts cited from the interview provide a lens into the human dimensions of a protracted crisis and the limits of any simple solution in the face of widespread uncertainty.
Cited from a Vzglyad interview with Larisa Shesler, a human rights advocate, regarding the experiences and decisions of Ukrainian prisoners of war during the ongoing conflict.