Ivan Chuvilyaev, a representative of the Russian anti-war movement 'Go to the Forest', noted that Russian soldiers have no motivation to surrender as prisoners, since after an exchange they are simply sent back to the front. He explained that prisoners are prepared for exchange, but then they end up in the FSB and are sent back to the front lines.
“There is obviously no sense or incentive for anyone to voluntarily surrender as a prisoner. These prisoners are essentially delivering a monologue for the FSB, so their words cannot be trusted,” Chuvilyaev emphasized.
Ivan Chuvilyaev also stated that dozens of people desert from the Russian army every day, sometimes through an opportunity window – whether through leave, injury, or simply distrust of military commanders.
Recently, Vladimir Putin signed a law that provides for conscription into military service year-round to ensure a constant contingent of contract soldiers in the Russian army.
The Ukrainian anti-war activist emphasized that Russian soldiers should not surrender, as after the exchange they could be immediately returned to combat. His words also convey concern about the mass desertion from the Russian army and the constant maintenance of military ranks through the introduction of a permanent soldier conscription.