Russia forms units from Ukrainians labelled 'volunteers' — propaganda or reality?

Russia has been forming military units composed of Ukrainians — including prisoners of war — presenting them as volunteers, according to a Deutsche Welle investigation published on October 10.

Recruitment methods

According to DW's reporting, these formations include both Ukrainians who collaborating with Russian forces and prisoners of war who may have been coerced or deceived into joining. The units are presented by Russian propaganda as evidence that Ukrainians themselves are fighting against the Zelensky government.

Propaganda purpose

The DW investigation concludes that the primary function of these units appears to be propaganda: to create the narrative that the war is not simply Russia versus Ukraine, but rather a conflict among Ukrainians themselves. Military analysts note that the actual combat effectiveness of such formations is likely limited, but their propaganda value to Russia is significant.

Ukraine has condemned the use of its citizens and prisoners of war in Russian military units as a violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.