Ukrainian defenders have captured a Russian army soldier originally from West Africa, who claims he traveled to Saratov, Russia, for studies but was later mobilized into the military.
The Ukrainian Air Force’s Consolidated Rifle Brigade shared the news on Facebook, according to Ukrinform.
“Troops from the Consolidated Rifle Brigade, alongside comrades from the 35th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi, repelled a Russian assault on their positions. In the joint operation, five enemy soldiers were eliminated, and one was taken prisoner,” the statement reads.
The captured soldier stated that he was originally from West Africa and had arrived in Saratov for his studies, only to be forcibly drafted into the Russian army.
“Ukrainian troops provided the POW with necessary medical aid, food, and water. In return, the African soldier, now in Russian uniform, expressed his gratitude for having his life spared,” the brigade’s press service said.
On January 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that two North Korean soldiers had been captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region.
Source: Ukrainian forces capture Russian soldier from West Africa
