Ukrainian paratroopers capture 27 Russian soldiers in Kursk region
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian paratroopers captured 27 Russian soldiers (Getty Images)
Ukrainian paratroopers, together with adjacent units, captured 27 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region. The captured Russians and marines, according to the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
More and more Russian soldiers surrender into Ukrainian captivity, some don’t want to go back home #POW #Ukraine️ #war pic.twitter.com/zBruJegkPQ
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) January 16, 2025
According to the Ukrainian military, 27 Russian soldiers have been captured in recent days. These are officers, sergeants, and soldiers from motorized rifle units, marines, airborne troops, and other military units, representatives of different regions of Russia and the temporarily occupied city of Sevastopol.
“Finding themselves in a difficult combat situation, they made the right choice - they voluntarily laid down their arms, which saved their lives. All the wounded were immediately provided with first aid,” Ukrainian paratroopers said.
Operation in Kursk region
The Ukrainian Armed Forces launched the Kursk operation for several strategic reasons. Firstly, it is a response to Russia's constant attacks from the border areas, including shelling of Ukrainian settlements and civilian infrastructure. The operation is aimed at weakening Russia's military capabilities, destroying its logistics hubs and units that support these attacks.
Second, the actions of Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region are aimed at creating tactical instability for Russian troops. Shifting combat operations to the border regions of Russia encourages Russians to disperse their resources, reducing pressure on other fronts. This is also part of Ukraine's strategy to demonstrate its ability to actively counterattack and disrupt Russia's comfort zones.
Prisoner exchange
Yesterday, January 15, 25 more Ukrainian soldiers were released from Russian captivity, including one civilian.
Among those released are defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal, as well as soldiers who were captured during the fighting in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. The exchange was mediated by the UAE.
The Ukrainian side has negotiated a separate format for the return of its seriously ill and wounded citizens from Russian captivity.
