KYIV, Ukraine — In a significant development on the front lines of the ongoing conflict, an entire company of Russian soldiers voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region on August 14, according to the “I Want to Live” project. The soldiers reportedly decided to surrender collectively after being abandoned by their commanders.
The surrender was confirmed on August 15 by representatives of the project, who stated that the Russian troops had been left without leadership and were unable to continue combat operations. The soldiers cited the abandonment by their superiors and the harsh conditions they faced, including being surrounded by Chechen units loyal to Ramzan Kadyrov, known for their brutal tactics and unwillingness to be captured themselves.
“It’s understandable; it’s hard to conduct combat operations when you’re led by tyrants and embezzlers, and flanked by Kadyrov’s bandits, who abandon everyone just to avoid being captured themselves,” said a representative from the “I Want to Live” project, which helps Russian soldiers seeking to surrender to Ukrainian forces.
In a statement laced with irony, the project’s press service also took the opportunity to thank Russian General Alexander Lapin, who has been heavily criticized for his repeated failures in military operations. “Well, thank you, General Lapin, for helping us succeed in Kursk Oblast, just like in 2022 in Kharkiv, for whose defense you were responsible,” the statement read.
General Lapin’s name has become synonymous with military failures within the Russian command structure. Russian media had previously reported that Lieutenant General Lapin was blamed for the collapse of the defense in the Kursk region, adding to his controversial reputation. He was also in charge during the Ukrainian offensive in 2022, which led to the recapture of key territories such as Balakliia, Lyman, and Izyum from Russian control.
The mass surrender marks a significant blow to Russian forces, as it underscores the growing disarray and low morale among troops. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced that, on the morning of August 14, Ukrainian forces had captured over 100 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region.
In a surprising turn of events, Ivan Tymochko, Chairman of the Reserve Council of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, revealed on August 15 that Russia had approached Ukraine regarding a prisoner of war (POW) exchange for the first time since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
This surrender and the subsequent request for a POW exchange highlight the increasingly precarious position of Russian forces in the conflict, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by the Russian military leadership. The situation continues to evolve, with the Kursk region becoming a focal point in the broader struggle between the two nations.