Over 300 Russian Soldiers Surrender to Ukraine’s ‘I Want to Live’ Project

More than 300 Russian soldiers have surrendered to Ukraine under the “I Want to Live” project.

Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, stated this during a telethon.

“The number of people willing to surrender has increased. Within the framework of this project alone, more than 300 Russian invaders have already surrendered to Ukrainian captivity,” Yusov detailed.

It is reported that some of them immediately expressed a desire not to be exchanged or even to join the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

The “I Want to Live” project was launched in September 2022. Its goal is to help willing Russian servicemen safely surrender to Ukrainian captivity and save their lives.

In case of surrender, the project guarantees detention in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

In addition, such Russians are also guaranteed that they will not be exchanged or returned to the Russian Federation if they wish.

If a Russian registers with “I Want to Live” in advance, the Ukrainian side registers him as having been captured in combat, meaning that he receives payments and status in Russia.

In late April 2024, Militarnyi reported that a third camp for holding Russian prisoners of war, Center-3, had been opened in Ukraine.

The new camp was opened due to the large number of Russians who surrendered.

In Center-3, Russian army personnel have facilities for work, sports, and leisure activities. The center also includes designated areas for cooking, resting, and interacting with psychologists.

Ukraine regularly grants access to its main prisoner of war camp to the Red Cross, the UN, and international journalists.