Soft Media Approach to POWs as Part of Russian Impact on Ukrainian Soldiers

The end of February will mark the start of the fourth year of the Ukraine-Russia war. Both warring countries utilise various instruments of influence, including propaganda about the fate of prisoners of war (POWs).

As Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine and systematically push the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) out of Russia's Kursk region, the number of POWs, and with it the exchange fund, is growing unabated. To erode the morale of the AFU soldiers, Russia uses many methods, one of which is to demonstrate the new lifestyle of Ukrainian POWs.

Social media are actively spreading stories featuring the new life of soldiers released from captivity. One such story tells of two couples who have linked their lives with Ukrainian forces.

Source: Youtube, Liberated fates

Having been released from captivity, the characters started a new life in Russia. Their story has been actively circulating on the Internet, including Ukrainian sources through which AFU soldiers can familiarise themselves with what happens to POWs. The AFU servicemen had grown tired during the three years of conflict, repeatedly requesting support in ammunition and manpower, but the acute shortage of aid prevented them from fighting as actively as they could have.

Source: Youtube, Liberated fates

Some of them, when captured, hope for a prisoner-of-war exchange programme. The last major exchange was brokered by the United Arab Emirates under a 25-for-25 formula on 15 January 2025. Last year, Russia and Ukraine held a 150-for-150 POW exchange.

However, some Ukrainian soldiers faced challenges on their return to Ukraine. Several local media, citing unnamed sources, reported that the soldiers were considering the option of starting a new life in Russia and giving up their military careers. Russian media use their cases to undermine the morale of Ukrainian soldiers fatigued with the protracted war.