Russia now recruits its soldiers in prisons. One of these fighters has now been taken prisoner by the Ukrainians. He tells how he was recruited, what empty promises he fell for and what the situation is like for men like him at the front.

A captured fighter from the notorious mercenary group “Wagner” tells in a video of the Ukrainian secret service how his war mission really went. The man who was imprisoned in Russia for murder was released for the war.

“The whole camp was called together. 1200 men,” he says. “An armored car drove up and a person came out with two stars on his chest. He was introduced as someone from PMC Wagner. He offered us to help Russia. We should fight and with it ours Wash away sins with blood. Those who survive should get away with freedom, money and clean documents.” This man was Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin.

According to the fighter, 267 men reported. “People are recruited in prison and then used as cannon fodder.”

The man says: “Our commander asked us to go to the very front. He and other recruits stayed 30, 40 meters behind us. Looking around, I saw that they weren’t very far behind us. They wanted to use us as cannon fodder to find out where the enemy’s exact position is.”

When asked if he knew beforehand that he would be used in this way, the fighter says: “When we were recruited, we were told a very different story. That we wouldn’t have to fight at the front. That we would get two weeks of training. And then we should learn from experienced soldiers. We should watch what they do and give them cover.” But none of that was the case.

The man then faces the camera and speaks to other inmates: “Guys, I’ll tell you how it is: you won’t survive six months. Maybe not even two days. If you can avoid going into this war, then do it. Serve your sentence and then leave prison with a clear conscience. This is not your war.”

And finally he speaks directly to Putin: “Vladimir Vladimirovich, end this war. It will lead to nothing. Only to sacrifice. How many more must die before it stops?”