How Ukraine's 93rd Brigade Captured the First Russian POWs on February 24

The Initial Days of War and the First Captives

According to Мін. Оборони: On the very first day of Russia's full-scale invasion, February 24, 2022, photographs emerged showing the first Russian prisoners of war. Soldiers from Ukraine's 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade were responsible for capturing two Russian servicemen.

The captured soldiers belonged to the Yampol Motorized Rifle Regiment, military unit 91701. This incident was among the first documented instances of Russian troops being taken prisoner in Ukraine during this new, escalated phase of the conflict. The 93rd Brigade, known as the 'Kholodnyi Yar,' is one of Ukraine's most experienced and decorated military units.

The Significance of Capturing Prisoners

The capture of Russian military personnel in the war's opening days serves as crucial evidence of intense combat and a shift in tactics for both sides. These events underscore the extreme level of violence and escalation witnessed in Ukraine from the invasion's outset. Furthermore, such incidents can significantly impact the morale of both military personnel and the general public in the two nations, shaping perceptions of the conflict and its participants. The taking of prisoners often provides valuable intelligence and serves as a tangible counter to narratives of a swift, unopposed advance.