Ukrainian Soldier Recounts Two Years of Captivity in Russia
Arslan Annaiev describes systematic abuse and dog attacks while held as a prisoner.
1Capture at Svatove Front
Arslan Annaiev, a soldier serving in the 115th Territorial Brigade, was captured by Russian forces in May 2023. The incident occurred near the Svatove region, a critical area of the ongoing conflict. His capture marked the beginning of a two-year period of detention that ended only after a formal prisoner exchange process.
2Systematic Physical Abuse
During his two-year imprisonment, Annaiev experienced severe physical mistreatment at the hands of his captors. He reported that guards frequently incited dogs to attack him, resulting in bite wounds. This testimony provides a harrowing look into the conditions faced by Ukrainian soldiers held within the Russian detention system during the war.
3Release Through Exchange
Annaiev was finally released in July 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange agreement between Ukraine and Russia. These exchanges remain the primary mechanism for returning captured personnel to their home countries. His return highlights the long-term nature of detention for many soldiers caught in the front lines of the conflict.
4Testimony to Le Figaro
The 34-year-old soldier shared his experiences in an interview with the French publication Le Figaro. By documenting these events, Annaiev contributes to the growing body of evidence regarding the treatment of prisoners of war. His account serves as a personal record of the psychological and physical toll of long-term military captivity.
5Context of Territorial Brigades
The 115th Territorial Brigade, to which Annaiev belonged, has been actively involved in defensive operations across eastern Ukraine. These units are often composed of volunteers and mobilized citizens tasked with holding critical positions. Their role in the conflict has frequently placed them in direct contact with advancing forces, leading to high capture rates.
6The Svatove Strategic Front
Svatove has remained a significant flashpoint throughout the conflict due to its strategic location in the Luhansk region. Control over this area is essential for logistics and supply lines for both sides. The intensity of fighting in this sector explains the high frequency of military personnel being taken as prisoners of war.
7Mechanisms of Prisoner Treatment
International humanitarian law, specifically the Geneva Convention, mandates the humane treatment of prisoners of war. However, reports from both sides of the conflict frequently allege violations of these standards. Annaiev’s specific account of using animals for intimidation represents a documented method of psychological and physical coercion used during his prolonged detention period.
8Broader Conflict Implications
The survival and eventual release of soldiers like Annaiev underscore the human cost of the ongoing war. As the conflict continues, the fate of remaining prisoners remains a central issue for diplomatic negotiations. His story emphasizes the lasting trauma inflicted upon those who endure extended periods of captivity in hostile military environments.
Original article: La Repubblica — Ukrainian Soldier Recounts Two Years of Captivity in Russia