'Do I have to get on my knees?': Russian soldier calls Ukrainian surrender hotline – audio

More than 6,500 Russian military personnel have sought to surrender through a special ‘I Want To live’ hotline, Ukraine’s government has claimed, with the call centre said to have been recently moved to a secret location to avoid Moscow interference.

Vitaly Matvienko, spokesperson at the department for prisoners of war, said those who had made contact through the service had been verified as serving in the Russian forces using their personal data and service number.

Between 15 September, when the hotline launched, and 20 January, it is claimed that 6,543 Russian personnel contacted the Ukrainian government to surrender themselves into their custody, often from the frontline. The claims of the Ukrainian department for prisoners of war could not be independently verified.

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[passenger]

I feel sorry for these lads that have been mobilised against their will.

Absolutely disgusting. If Russia were being invaded, then yes - but not to fight in Ukraine for a bit of land grab for Putin.

[vlatkosurlan]

This is awesome. Gives the Russian guys a way to surrender safely while not allowing the Russian regime a way to know about it. The Russian guy surrenders with no casualties and after the war he might even be able to return to Russia and his family with no repercussions. An absolute win - win. Every Russian soldier needs to know about this.

[gdewyg]

Obviously this man doesn't want to go to this war. Hopefully he is welcome in Ukraine

[bigdaddyswole]

Honestly that’s a great psychological move by Ukraine. Making a chat bot called “I want to live” and making it available to a lot of people who don’t wanna be there doing that.

[FreeThoughtCrime]

Imagine calling the hotline, surrendering, and then getting exchanged, and being sent back to the front lines again.

[jarnodatema]

Imagine your army ducking so much the hotline for defecting is called “I want to live”

[VlerkeDamne]

It should be made easier and more rewarding to surrender. Give these soldiers who are forced to fight a chance to quit safely.

[nielskorpel]

If this guy manages to surrender and get asylum in the Netherlands, I'd love to meet him.
Let's hope he and his group make it through.

[ikigai]

A great weapon against war is compassion.

[dasLumpi]

horrific to imagine having this conversation

[stevemac]

I honestly feel sorry for the average Russian who wants no part of this and yet is forced into by a few vainglorious elite who want to be seen as something special. Doesn't matter if people killed over it as long as they receive some imaginary glory at the expense of others..

[Twerkulies]

Tells you how bad Russia really is when the guy straight up asks if he'll be beaten.

[gregiles]

"you're living on your knees now, that's why you need to surrender, to stand up like a Man again".

[zenster]

The operator literally doesn't answer his question. Unless it's edited to which I say why? No reason for the operator not to be heard he won't be beaten, shot, etc. Ultimately, there is no guarantee or proof at the end of the day. There is a certain leap of faith.

[cliodyncycwatch]

Tough problem: so easy for Russian intel to call the number and learn how fighters are instructed to signal surrender (even if specific signals change daily or whatever), and then use this info against those intending to surrender. Very tough problem.

[bigdaddyrat]

Pretty big of Ukraine to have this kind of sympathy for an enemy that attacks their civilian population so ruthlessly.

[kerpaxtus]

Hoping this guy made it through. Even if he did, he is likely going to be criticized, gossiped, and cussed at.

[brooktrout]

I like how she did not guarantee that he wouldn't be beaten or filmed

[BogMNL]

she didnt awnser his question about beaten and to get on his knees... i hope its not that kind of surrender

[peterstorch]

Son, even if you don’t have a white flag, you can surrender merely by raising your hands over your head, even if lying down. It helps to say, “ I surrender “ . In the other side’s language. . Under the Geneva convention, every man has the right to surrender if they feel they can’t fight no more. At the end of the war you will be released in Ukraine, and will be given the right to return home or become a refuge to be settled wherever or make your own way. Treat prisoners kind! It is better to feed a man than fight him !!!