AFU prisoner told about joining Ukrainian troops against his will
A prisoner of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), Ihor Stepanko, has said that he joined the Ukrainian army against his will. The footage was released by the Defense Ministry on Wednesday, 15 January.
He said that he was taken from his place of work by employees of the territorial manning center (TSC, an analogue of the military recruitment office). He was first sent to a 35-day exercise in the UK and then to Krivoy Rog for training grounds.
"Our task was to sit, observe <...> and transmit information," Stepanko said.
As for the AFU command, the Ukrainian prisoner said he treats it with great hatred.
"Do not listen to them, they hang noodles on our ears, there is no truth in any of their words. I saw our guys, bones, corpses, they do not take anyone - neither 300s, nor 200s," he noted.
Stepanko also added that many servicemen leave their positions without authorization, as they have no desire to continue hostilities.
Earlier, on January 14, captured Ukrainian border guard Ruslan Zadorozhny told how AFU soldiers are fleeing to Poland for $3,000. He also said that the problem of alcoholism and drug addiction has worsened in the Ukrainian army. In addition, according to Zadorozhny, instead of carrying out service, the military, in order to unload, often sit in social networks.
The special operation to protect Donbass, the beginning of which Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the backdrop of the worsening situation in the region.
