Two Ukrainian paratroopers narrowly avoided execution after convincing their Russian captors to surrender instead. The extraordinary story, shared by journalist Yuriy Butusov on 27 April via social media, offers a rare insight into the complex psychology and inner cracks within the Russian military machine.
The two Ukrainian soldiers were operating deep inside Russian territory during an intense Ukrainian assault when they were taken prisoner by two Russian soldiers. Trapped together in a small dugout for several days, they remained under constant threat from drone strikes, artillery, and mortar fire.
The Russian captors had informed their command of the capture and were reportedly ordered to execute the Ukrainians and push forward. However, instead of carrying out the order, they hesitated. The Russian military hierarchy is notorious for punishing soldiers who disobey orders, and Butusov noted that commanders frequently direct artillery fire at their own troops who retreat or hesitate.
Facing death from both their command and Ukrainian forces, the Russian soldiers considered surrendering. The captured Ukrainian troops assured them that Ukraine’s forces uphold the Geneva Conventions and do not execute prisoners, regardless of whose side they are on.
Faced with no communication from their comrades and heavy fire from their own side, the Russians agreed. They handed back the weapons and radios to the Ukrainian paratroopers, who then contacted their own command. At an opportune moment, the group made their way to Ukrainian-controlled positions, where the Russians formally surrendered.
This incident took place amidst ongoing Ukrainian defensive operations in the Russian Belgorod and Kursk regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the intensity of the battles, particularly around Pokrovsk, Kramatorsk, Lyman, and Kursk. Despite false claims from the Russian general staff that they had secured the last settlement in Kursk, Ukrainian military officials denied any such loss, stating the situation remains volatile but under control.
Ukrainian intelligence sources and the independent DeepState project also rejected Russian assertions of progress, revealing instead that Russian troops continue to suffer high losses while attempting to entrench themselves in Sumy Oblast.
Meanwhile, 43-year-old Ukrainian scout Yehor Pavliuk, who was severely wounded and captured in the Zaporizhzhia direction, offered a powerful reflection on the resilience of Ukrainian soldiers. “They can kill the body, but if the soul is unbroken, a person is not defeated,” he stated, urging Ukrainians never to lose hope.
In political developments, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s regime has refused ceasefire proposals that would allow Ukraine to maintain military support from allies. Kremlin representatives have demanded all weapons shipments to Ukraine stop before agreeing to any form of truce, a condition rejected by Kyiv and its Western partners, who insist on any deal making Ukraine stronger, not more vulnerable.
Adding to the political theatre, Donald Trump’s awkward exchange with Zelensky during a recent event was caught on camera. When pressed on how he would end the war, Trump delivered a vague response: “That is a very interesting strategy, you can be sure.” Trump’s popularity continues to decline, with only 39 percent of Americans approving his performance after 100 days back in office, according to ABC News. This marks the lowest rating for any U.S. president in the last 80 years.
