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Russia Forcing Ukrainian POWs to Record Propaganda Videos as Condition for Transfer to Hungary
Ukrainian prisoners of war from the Zakarpattia region are being coerced by Russian authorities to record propaganda videos praising Russia before they can be transferred to Hungary, according to a recent report from Ukraine’s Strategic Communications and Information Security Center SPRAVDI.
Oleksiy Chorpita, a Ukrainian serviceman who was recently freed from Russian captivity, provided firsthand testimony of this practice. While held in a prison in occupied Horlivka in 2023, Chorpita, who hails from Zakarpattia, was presented with a troubling ultimatum.
“They offered to include me in an exchange, but on the condition that I go to Hungary,” Chorpita explained. “However, the requirement was that I had to record a video speaking negatively about the Ukrainian authorities while praising Russia, the conditions of my detention, and the prison regime.”
Refusing to participate in such propaganda efforts, Chorpita remained in captivity until his eventual release in 2025. He is currently receiving medical treatment in Ukraine and has warned that such videos are “elements of Russian propaganda created under duress.”
“The publication of such videos in the media of other countries effectively spreads Russian propaganda and supports its aggression,” Chorpita cautioned.
This revelation comes amid growing tensions between Ukraine and Hungary over the handling of prisoners with dual citizenship. On March 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó the release of two additional Ukrainians with Hungarian citizenship who were being held in Russian captivity.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern about this arrangement, stating that Kyiv was never informed about which soldiers Russia intended to transfer. In response, Ukrainian officials have summoned the Hungarian chargé d’affaires to provide verified data and requested direct access to the individuals involved.
“We are forced to conclude that this is not the first time Moscow and Budapest have manipulated the sensitive issue of prisoners of war,” the Ukrainian MFA told RBC-Ukraine. “The cynicism is striking when the release of human beings is turned into political PR ahead of elections in Hungary and used as a bargaining chip in relations with the Kremlin.”
The situation highlights the complex diplomatic tensions in the region, with Hungary—an EU and NATO member—maintaining closer relations with Moscow than most Western nations since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Critics have accused Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of using these prisoner releases for political gain ahead of domestic elections.
According to SPRAVDI, following the arrival of some POWs in Budapest, a Hungarian television channel broadcast footage showing the soldiers thanking their Russian captors for their survival—raising questions about whether these statements were made under duress.
The practice of forcing prisoners to participate in propaganda efforts potentially violates international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, which protect prisoners of war from public curiosity and intimidation.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its efforts to secure the release of its citizens held in Russian captivity. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War recently announced the successful return of 200 Ukrainian servicemen from Russian detention.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern about the treatment of Ukrainian prisoners in Russian captivity, with reports of torture, inadequate medical care, and psychological pressure being common. The manipulation of prisoner exchanges for propaganda purposes represents another dimension of Russia’s information warfare strategy in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
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12 Comments
Russia’s actions in forcing Ukrainian POWs to record propaganda videos are a clear violation of international law and human rights. This is a disturbing development that must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
I agree, this is a deeply concerning report. Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian prisoners is a shameful abuse of power that shows their complete disregard for the rules of warfare and human dignity.
Forcing Ukrainian POWs to record propaganda videos is a deplorable act that demonstrates Russia’s complete lack of respect for international law and human rights. This is a disturbing development that should be widely condemned.
I agree, this is a reprehensible violation of the Geneva Conventions. Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian prisoners is a shameful abuse of power that must be addressed by the international community.
This is a deeply troubling report. Forcing POWs to record propaganda videos is a blatant violation of human rights and the Geneva Conventions. Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian prisoners is unconscionable.
Agreed. This is a shameful abuse of power by Russia. The soldiers’ refusal to participate in propaganda is commendable, but they should never have been put in that position in the first place.
It’s disturbing to see Russia resorting to such coercive tactics against Ukrainian POWs. Forcing them to create propaganda videos as a condition of transfer is a despicable abuse of power.
Absolutely. Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian prisoners is a gross violation of international law and human rights. This is yet another example of their disregard for basic decency and the rule of law.
This report is deeply troubling. Coercing Ukrainian POWs to create propaganda videos is a blatant abuse of power and a clear violation of the laws of war. Russia’s actions are a stain on the global community.
Absolutely. The fact that Russia is willing to go to such lengths to produce propaganda is a clear indication of their desperation. This is a shameful act that cannot be tolerated.
This report highlights Russia’s blatant disregard for the Geneva Conventions and the basic rights of prisoners of war. Coercing POWs to create propaganda videos is a shameful tactic that must be condemned.
You’re right, this is a clear violation of the rules of warfare. Russia’s actions are a stain on the international community and a betrayal of the principles of human dignity.