The capture of so many unprepared young men poses a significant challenge for the Kremlin. This situation could be seen as politically explosive, especially with conscription service being a sensitive subject in Russia.
The prisoners of war are not seasoned fighters but young conscripts fulfilling their mandatory service. Captured at home, they were never meant to see combat in Ukraine.
President Putin had assured mothers that conscripts would not engage in fighting, largely keeping this promise. Yet, the chaos of the invasion led some into Ukraine against expectations.
This influx of captives proves a test case for Ukraine on managing a large number of Russian POWs, potentially turning them into valuable bargaining chips in future negotiations.
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