Ukrainian prisoners join Russian units to escape captivity

Ukrainian lieutenant Pavlo Oliinyk, 25, reported that he joined the Russian military to escape captivity after being captured in the Donbas region in October 2024. Oliinyk stated that he was subjected to physical violence, electric shocks, and psychological pressure while in Russian custody. He accepted an offer to join the Maksim Krivonis Battalion—part of the Ukrainian Volunteer Special Forces Brigade—with the intention of reaching Ukrainian-controlled territory.

The Maksim Krivonis Battalion is one of several units composed of former Ukrainian prisoners of war. While Russian media describes these groups as “Ukrainian volunteer formations,” experts suggest they are controlled by the central Russian government. The battalion is reportedly led by Vyacheslav Gubin, a former local official from the Kharkiv region who defected to Russia in 2014. Estimates suggest the unit consists of approximately 200 members, though its exact size remains unconfirmed.