Russian state-controlled propaganda outlets recently circulated a statement from Viktor Vodolatsky, a deputy of the Russian State Duma, claiming that Russia is forming military units from captured Ukrainian soldiers to send them back to the front lines. He also spread fake suggesting that Ukrainian prisoners are “sent back to service” once they return home.This clearly signals a new Kremlin disinformation campaign aimed at undermining Ukraine. In this context, Defense Express obtained clarifications from sources within Ukrainian intelligence to shed light on the actual situation and the legal implications.Article 129 of the Third Geneva Convention explicitly forbids serious violations against prisoners of war, including willful killing, torture, inhumane treatment, biological experiments, and intentionally inflicting great suffering or serious injury. Critically, it prohibits forcing prisoners of war to serve in the armed forces of the hostile power.By simply making such claims, Russian propagandists are blatantly violating this fundamental principle of international law. Defense Express emphasizes that the civilized world must respond adequately to these violations. The Kremlin’s approach reflects a disturbing regression to practices reminiscent of the 18th century.There are also verified reports that some Ukrainian POWs have been coerced into serving in the Russian military through force or threats against their families. However, these measures have failed to produce the large-scale cooperation Russia claims. The Kremlin systematically tries to create the illusion that many Ukrainian prisoners willingly join Russian forces and fight against Ukraine.This pattern is illustrated by previous propaganda campaigns around so-called “Battalion Khmelnytsky,” “Battalion Kryvonos,” and “Pushkar Detachment,” all purportedly formed from Ukrainian POWs. Yet, over three years of full-scale war, there has been no credible evidence of these units existing or participating meaningfully in combat.According to Ukrainian intelligence sources speaking to Defense Express, “The number of known collaborators willing to switch sides and take part in fighting has never exceeded a few dozen people. Therefore, such reports about the deployment of these units are, by definition, Kremlin PR fantasies.”An important note: Ukrainian soldiers released from captivity undergo rehabilitation and receive necessary medical care upon return. Afterwards, they have the full right to decide whether to leave military service or return voluntarily.