https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-ato/3757717-andrij-usov-predstavnik-gur-mou.html
Andrii Yusov, representative of the Ministry of Education and Culture
Russia refuses to hand over many Ukrainian prisoners of war without any explanation
09/06/2023 12:57 p.m
During the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war, there were 48 exchanges of prisoners of war, as a result of which about 2,600 Ukrainians returned home. However, many defenders of Ukraine are still in Russian captivity, so the topic of prisoners of war remains extremely sensitive for Ukrainian society. The main block of the Ukrinform interview with
Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Coordination Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War , is dedicated to her.
At the same time, many other topical issues were raised during the conversation: the special operation of the GUR of the IOM in Crimea, implemented with the support of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the transfer of nuclear warheads from the Russian Federation to the Republic of Belarus, the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, internal conflicts in Russia, the plane crash in Tver region of the Russian Federation, in which Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the "Wagner" Communist Party, allegedly died, as well as the intensification of Russian propaganda in Ukraine and the world. Details are in the text of the interview.
NEGOTIATIONS REGARDING THE EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS ARE TAKING PLACE IN A BILATERAL FORMAT - DIRECTLY BETWEEN UKRAINE AND THE RUSSIA
- How many Ukrainian servicemen are currently in Russian captivity?
- We do not name these data, because the negotiations regarding the exchange are ongoing. This is sensitive information.
- How is their accounting kept?
- The National Information Bureau is working on this. There is also a Register of the Coordination Headquarters on the Treatment of Prisoners of War. All data is transferred to the units where our defenders serve. The National Police provides information to relatives when proceedings have already been initiated.
We collect all data, both on those confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross and from other sources. For example, there are testimonies of people who have been released from captivity, there are photo and video materials, including from Russian propaganda. All this is taken into account to establish the fact that the Ukrainian defender is in enemy captivity.
- How are the negotiations on the exchange of prisoners taking place? Which partner countries act as mediators in this process?
- Ukraine would only be happy if there were more effective mediating countries, but, unfortunately, it is mostly a bilateral format - Ukraine's work with representatives of the aggressor state regarding exchange.
- According to what principle do exchanges take place? As you know, some prisoners are exchanged quite quickly, and some wait for the exchange for a long time...
- There are very different cases. Russia refuses to hand over many Ukrainian prisoners without any explanation. There are fabricated criminal cases or sentences against someone.
After all, in different cases, Ukraine conducts negotiations with different entities. For example, it is no longer a secret that there were separate negotiations with PMK "Wagner" regarding the exchange of prisoners. They were quite effective.
There are also separate "field" stories. Of course, then someone is lucky to be in captivity for a shorter time.
But there is no exchange formula. Unfortunately, we are dealing with a state that often ignores international law and the Geneva Conventions.
THE DEFENDERS OF MARIUPOL AND THE DEFENDERS OF ALL OTHER CITIES, UKRAINE WILL RETURN AND WILL RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY
- How are the negotiations progressing regarding the return of the defenders of Mariupol from captivity?
- Both the defenders of Mariupol and the defenders of all other cities are and will be returned from captivity by Ukraine. The very fact that in the conditions of a full-scale war, about 2.6 thousand defenders have already returned home is already an indicator. Few people have such experience, because the Geneva Conventions do not provide for mandatory exchanges of prisoners during the war. However, Ukraine is not waiting for the hostilities to end. Ukraine is already returning its people.
- The Russian aggressors continue to illegally condemn captured Ukrainian soldiers, in particular the "Azovians". How will Ukraine return them? Under what conditions is this possible?
- The same as all other Ukrainian defenders, including those allegedly convicted by Russian courts. After all, we also investigate, prosecute and convict the Russian military.
Russia returns Ukrainian prisoners of war and will continue to do so. In particular, for their own reasons – both domestic political and security. There are also Russian prisoners of war in Ukrainian captivity. And over the last period, there have been many more of them.
ALL FOR ALL EXCHANGE FORMAT DOES NOT REQUIRE PARITY IN THE NUMBER OF PRISONERS
- What is the probability of an exchange of prisoners in the "all for all" format?
- This is not a probability. This is a work in progress. However, we cannot say that this is a matter of the coming days.
- To apply the appropriate mechanism, is it necessary to have parity in the number of prisoners?
- No, of course. We are talking about international law. The Geneva Conventions provide a mechanism for the return of all prisoners.
- In case of an exchange in this format, what is the guarantee that Russia will return absolutely all Ukrainian prisoners of war?
- What is the guarantee? Who do you want a warranty from? From Putin? The only guarantees are our professional negotiating position and comprehensive work, Ukraine will not leave anyone behind.
VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHTS OF UKRAINIAN PRISONERS OF WAR IN THE RUSSIA ARE NOT SINGLE CASES
- During the full-scale war, 48 exchanges took place, about 2.6 thousand citizens were returned from Russian captivity to Ukraine . What percentage of liberated Ukrainian soldiers were tortured in enemy captivity?
- We will not talk about the percentage, but violations of the rights of our prisoners of war in Russian captivity are not isolated cases.
- Does the state ensure the process of rehabilitation of servicemen released from captivity? How does this happen?
- The medical forces, and in general the entire system of health care, the Security and Defense Forces, are working on this. There is a process of rehabilitation and recovery, including abroad. Psychological help is also provided. All protocols are followed.
DUE TO THE "I WANT TO LIVE" PROJECT, HUNDREDS OF RUSSIAN MILITARY VOLUNTARILY SURRENDERED PRISONER FOR A YEAR
- Over the course of a year, the Ukrainian project "I want to live" (the only center for receiving requests from the Russian military for surrender) received more than 22,000 requests. How many servicemen of the Russian Federation surrendered thanks to this project?
- We are talking about hundreds.
UKRAINIAN SPECIAL OPERATION IN CRIMEA CONTINUES
- On August 23, GUR MOU showed a video of the destruction of the S-400 "Triumph" anti-aircraft missile system in Crimea. How will this affect the Ukrainian offensive?
- This already affects the further actions of Ukrainian defenders. In particular, on the territory of the temporarily occupied Crimea, because this system was supposed to close and cover up certain actions of the occupiers. Its neutralization is a success for Ukraine, which will allow further operations to be implemented.
- Can the Russians quickly restore this armament?
- No, it does not recover quickly. And, in principle, the stock of S-400 systems of the invaders is quite limited.
- On Ukraine's Independence Day, a Ukrainian landing force landed at Cape Tarkhankut in the temporarily occupied Crimea, a battle took place with the participation of watercraft and aviation . Can we talk about the details of this special operation?
- Currently, this set of measures is ongoing. We will not reveal the details, but all the set goals were achieved. The enemy's personnel and military assets have been destroyed. During this operation, four enemy boats were destroyed.
And the very fact of the landing of Ukrainian troops on the Crimean peninsula is very telling for Ukraine, inspiring for Ukrainians and our partners, demotivating for the enemies.
- And how many representatives of the personnel of the Russian army were destroyed during this operation?
- The data must be clarified, but it is several dozen people.
- Did all the Ukrainian soldiers return alive?
- Yes, during this operation – without losses.
- On August 25, in an intercepted conversation made public by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, a Russian military officer informed his commander about the repeated landing of Ukrainian troops near the settlement of Novoozerne. Can you confirm or deny this?
- We will not confirm or deny. If the enemy can see the Ukrainian landing party everywhere, that is very good. We will continue in the same spirit. The operation in Crimea continues.
THE TASK OF RUSSIAN PROPAGANDA IS TO DEMOTIVATE AND SPLIT UKRAINIANS
- Information war. C characterize it at the current stage. In what areas are the Russians currently working most actively to split Ukrainian society?
- The key directions of Russian propaganda and special information and psychological operations (IPSO) against Ukrainians remain unchanged: try to demotivate, split society, undermine trust in the Armed Forces and political leadership of Ukraine, hyperbolize the problems that exist in the state. For example, manipulations around the eloquent topic of corruption: "what are you fighting for?", "what's the point, if there's no point, give up," "they'll steal everything," "America won't help you," and so on. These narratives did not work at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but now the Russians are trying to methodically convey them to Ukrainian society.
Russia also uses various painful topics, including the tragedies of families of prisoners of war. Pay attention with what animal manic taste they pick up and broadcast all, even the smallest, public actions of the families of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Nothing is sacred for Russian propaganda. It is their task to demotivate and divide Ukrainians. And, unfortunately, there are people in Ukraine who consciously or unconsciously continue to pick up Russian propaganda narratives from time to time.
- What narratives are Russians spreading in the West?
- The task of the Russians in the international arena is to undermine faith in the victory of Ukraine. We are now witnessing the spread of narratives that Ukraine will allegedly never defeat Russia, because the Russian Federation is very big, and the world in general is tired of helping the Ukrainians in this war.
- How does it affect the mood of foreigners?
- It is worth noting that, in general, it affects the mood of foreigners much less than Russians would like. And certainly less than before the start of a full-scale war, when narratives were spread that Ukraine would not stand up.
However, of course, they do not reduce their efforts, because no matter how much money is spent on agents of influence, espionage networks, information campaigns, the spread of relevant information waves, it is still less than the costs of full-scale military aggression, that is, the costs of weapons and personnel on the front line.
Russia remains extremely active in this field, continues to spend serious resources and discover new directions of pressure on Ukraine's partners. For example, recent events in Africa (we are talking about coups d'état in African countries, - ed .). It can be absolutely clearly stated that Russia is also behind them and is trying to use this as an influence on Ukraine's European partners to reduce their support. This is one example. And there are plenty of such examples.
However, the influence of the Russian Federation in the world has become smaller. The numerous expulsions of so-called Russian diplomats from Europe, the collapse of the Russian mass media network in the world confirm this.
THE RUSSIAN IPSO IN UKRAINE WAS ACTIVATED FROM THE MOMENT OF THE INTENSIFICATION OF THE ACTIONS OF THE UKRAINIAN DEFENSE FORCES
- In recent months, have you observed the intensification of the enemy IPSO on the territory of Ukraine?
- Since the activation of the actions of the Ukrainian Security and Defense Forces, the continuation of the liberation of our territories, this has certainly been observed. This can be seen in the Russian public, in the narratives that Russians spread in the world. Of course, they are trying to promote their narratives in the Ukrainian information space as well. In particular, the Russian IPSO manifests itself in the intimidation of Ukrainians with the use of nuclear weapons and man-made disasters.
One of the latest examples: Russian Telegram channels wrote that the time and day when Vladimir Putin ordered to blow up the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant is already known. It can be said that this is an example of a successful hostile IPSO, because many Ukrainian media spread this information, including respectable and respectable ones, with reference to Russian anonymous Telegram channels. That is, it turned out to be cheap and effective to sow panic. However, fortunately, many responsible media have further verified this information, and then refuted it. We managed to repel this situation.
CURRENTLY, THE IMMEDIATE THREAT OF A TERRORIST ATTACK ON THE ZANE NPP HAS DECREASED
- You mentioned the ZAP. What is the situation there now? As of today, how high is the risk of undermining the station?
- The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is a large nuclear energy facility in Ukraine, seized by Russian invaders and terrorists. This means that neither international nor Ukrainian nuclear safety standards are observed there. Accordingly, we definitely cannot say that there is security and order there. But, yes, compared to the history of a few months ago, the immediate threat of a terrorist attack has decreased at this stage.
However, the Russian military contingent, in particular the Russian Guard, are still on the territory of the station. They carried out mining operations. The only remaining issues are the implementation of the given scenario for the occupiers.
Currently, we can state that the complete safety of the ZNPP and the surrounding territories will be guaranteed after its de-occupation and liberation from the Russian invaders, and return to legal Ukrainian control.
- Did the Russians place remote detonation explosive devices on the territory of the station ? Are the invaders considering the option of blowing up the nuclear power plant after leaving its territory?
- The mining carried out by the Russians included the implementation of a similar scenario.
THE PLACEMENT OF NUCLEAR WARHEADS BY RUSSIA ON THE TERRITORY OF BELARUS DOES NOT SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT THE SECURITY SITUATION IN UKRAINE
- In the context of nuclear and atomic safety. Kyrylo Budanov recently stated that the first nuclear warheads are already on the territory of Belarus. How close to the Ukrainian border are they located?
- This does not significantly affect our security situation, because Ukraine has a huge border with the Russian Federation. Russian nuclear weapons have long been placed along this border. There is nothing new for us in this regard, just as, after all, there is nothing for the NATO member countries either, since Russian nuclear weapons in the Kaliningrad region have long been located near the borders of the European Union and NATO. It's more nuclear blackmail and raising the stakes, but of course, it has to be taken into account.
- Is intelligence not currently recording active actions around these warheads?
- No, there is currently no such information.
THE THREAT OF MISSILE STRIKES ON THE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE OF UKRAINE REMAINS
- Last year, from the beginning of the heating season, Russia resorted to regular shelling of the critical infrastructure of Ukraine. What to expect this year - a similar scenario?
- Scenarios are different every time. Last year we saw extremely massive missile strikes. In general, since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, the peak of the one-time release of missiles on the territory of Ukraine is 120. Now we do not observe such massive missile strikes. This is largely due to Russia's use of its missile stockpile and limited production capabilities.
But, yes, the threat of missile strikes, in particular on energy infrastructure facilities, remains. It is clear that the terrorist state will not give up this practice.
THE RUSSIA REGULARLY USES NEWLY MANUFACTURED ROCKETS DURING BOMBARDMENTS
- Despite international sanctions, Russia continues to produce drones and missiles. According to Ukrainian intelligence, in what quantities are they produced? What types?
- Regarding "Calibre" - dozens per month, "Iskander" - a smaller number of units. This is a fairly limited production capacity that does not cover costs and does not allow for the replenishment of stocks available until February 24. At the expense of "grey imports" and smuggling, they close some moments, but this does not completely cover the needs of the Russian military industry.
- How often do the Russians use newly manufactured drones and missiles during the current shelling?
- Newly developed rockets are used regularly. If we talk about drones, they are all from new batches. But these are mostly not Russian drones if we are talking about Shahed. This is all a large-scale assembly of Iranian attack drones with certain elements and materials produced directly on the territory of the Russian Federation.
- In general, what is the current state of the Russian military-industrial complex? To what extent do they still have enough capacity to wage an aggressive war against Ukraine?
- To a large extent, the Russian military-industrial complex is currently focused on the deconservation and, if possible, the modernization or restoration of old Soviet equipment. Opportunities for deep modernization of the production of new weapons have significantly decreased due to the introduction of sanctions.
In fact, the Russians have serious problems with modern optics, electronics, chips and circuits. And today there is no unequivocal source that would enable them to solve these problems.
Also, the enemy is looking for projectiles for salvo rocket systems, artillery, although these are not high-tech and modern weapons. This indicates a certain crisis in the capabilities of Russia's military-industrial complex.
Outwardly, the Putin regime is trying to prove that they can continue the war against Ukraine for years, but in reality this information is exaggerated for propaganda purposes.
Already on the territory of the Russian Federation, the Putin regime is trying to maintain such an appearance, as if nothing is happening, peaceful life continues, and the war is somewhere far away.
That is, the Russians are not preparing their society for full mobilization. Even if such a mobilization were to take place now, they are afraid of the consequences and public sentiment, as well as having security problems. Let's imagine a new wave of mass mobilization in Russia. Questions of training, weapons, and ammunition will immediately appear. In all these areas, the enemy has certain problems.
However, the Russian Federation cannot be underestimated. After all, the enemy still has a huge mobilization potential. Of course, the question is in quality... But also in quantity.
THE LEGION "FREEDOM OF RUSSIA" AND THE RUSSIAN VOLUNTEER CORPS CONTINUE TO PERFORM COMBAT TASKS ON THE DEMISTRATION LINE
- In addition to the crisis in the Russian military industry, we are observing internal conflicts in the Russian Federation. In May, episodic hostilities began in Belgorod region, responsibility for which was claimed by the "Freedom of Russia" legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps. For some time it was reported about the successes of Russian volunteers, but now there is practically no information about their activities. Do you know anything about the current work of the LSR and RDK?
- Yes, it is known. They continue to perform combat tasks on the demarcation line, destroy the enemy and work together with the Ukrainian Security and Defense Forces. These are combat units that have significant achievements. Unfortunately, they also have losses. However, they continue to help Ukrainians to destroy the enemy and protect our land.
- Representatives of the RDK claimed that they captured Russian soldiers and handed them over to the exchange fund of Ukraine. Is this information correct?
- Yes, this information is true.
- Can we talk about the number of such prisoners?
- We do not comment on the numbers, but these are not isolated cases when the Red Army and the Legion "Freedom of Russia" captured Russian soldiers.
- How does the Russian government react to the continued activity of the relevant formations? What is the current atmosphere in the government offices of the Russian Federation?
- The atmosphere of understanding the strategic impasse and finding a way out of it with the least bad scenario. They understand that the decision to start the so-called SVO was idiotic and harmful for the Russian Federation, Putin's regime. They also understand that it is impossible to get out of this situation just like that. Depression, sadness - this is how you can characterize the atmosphere. I think if you look at the faces of many official Russian officials at various events, you can understand everything.
WE CAN 100% CONFIRM THE DEATH OF THE DUCK IN THE PLANE CRASH AS FOR PRIGOZYN - NOT ALL ISSUES CLOSED
- On August 23, in the Tver region of the Russian Federation, a plane carrying representatives of the "Vagner" PMC, including the leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and his deputy Dmytro Utkin, crashed. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the organizers of the liquidation of the PMK leadership are the Russian authorities?
- Currently, we can speak 100% about the confirmed death of Utkin and some other passengers. As for Prigozhin, let's say, not all questions are closed yet. As for the organizers, let's think, who else can benefit from this? I think that here, in principle, everything is quite obvious.
- Can you elaborate on Prigozhin? Ukrainian intelligence doubts his death?
- I will simply focus on the fact that we can confirm the death of Utkin and several other associates of Prigozhin. As for the PVC extractor itself, I think we have to wait a little longer.
- That is, theoretically, he can appear somewhere?
- We must operate with confirmed facts, we still need to wait...
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Angelina Strashkulych , Kyiv
Photo by Kyryla Chubotina
