conflict
Ukrainian former POWs in Russian-backed combat units
200fighters
Russian media reported about 200 fighters in the Maksym Kryvonis battalion.
Former Ukrainian POWs and ex-servicemembers have been recruited into Russian-backed units, including the Maksym Kryvonis battalion. Former POW Pavlo Oliynyk says he joined to escape captivity and fled before deployment; Russia presents the recruitment as voluntary.
1 sourceDeutsche WelleUpdated
Claims
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Several Ukrainian units were merged into the Ukrainian Volunteer Special Forces Brigade in August 2026.
“in August 2026, they were merged into the so-called "Ukrainian Volunteer Special Forces Brigade."”
- 200fighters
AllegedRussian media reported about 200 fighters in the Maksym Kryvonis battalion.
“Russian media reports claim about 200 fighters”
- 30members
Suspilne identified more than 30 members of the Maksym Kryvonis battalion.
“has identified over 30 members”