Astakhov Dmitry Mikhailovich is, a Russian commander captured by Ukraine, condemned Moscow’s “genocide” invasion – saying in a remarkable televised statement that the troops were duped into believing Kyiv had been overthrown by Nazis and needed liberating.
National Guard Lt. Col. Mikhailovich, who was captured along with two other soldiers, said that he had been told they were being sent to help Ukraine because it was “dominated by a fascist regime” and that “nationalists and Nazis had seized power.”
Age
His age is unclear.
Russian Officer Captured in Ukraine
A Russian soldier captured by Ukraine has made a powerful public statement denouncing his nation’s aggression and pleading with Ukrainians to show his countrymen “mercy.”
Last Thursday, local time, Ukraine’s Unian news agency hosted a media conference with three Russian prisoners. Footage from the event was shared online widely today.
Viewers were particularly struck by the words of Astakhov Dmitry Mikhailovich, who said he was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Russian National Guard’s particular rapid response unit.
Mikhailovich insisted he was speaking freely. He said his remarks had not been pre-scripted and were not a result of pressure or intimidation from his Ukrainian captors.
Recounting the first days of the invasion, he said the order to move into Ukraine had come suddenly, taking his unit by surprise. He and his comrades were told Ukraine was “dominated by a fascist regime,” that “nationalists and Nazis had seized power,” and that the people of Ukraine needed help to get rid of them.
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“Obviously, this information was unilateral information,” he said.
“Of course, we have internet, sometimes we get something from other sources. We had some doubts. We did not know the situation for sure.”
Those doubts solidified, for him, when his favourite boxers, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko – who are Ukrainian – announced they would fight against the invasion.
Apologize
“I feel shame that we came to this country,” Mikhailovich said.
“I feel shame. I don’t know why we were doing it. We knew very little. We brought sorrow to this land.
“We will go to jail or whatever we deserve. We’re ready for anything.”
He said he felt “sorry” for the people back home in Russia, who are “misinformed.”
“Some do not even have internet. They have no alternative (to state media). They are constantly brainwashed,” he said.
“Maybe I deserved to learn this lesson, so I could finally see and try to tell it to those who are in Russia. They do not realize what is happening here.
“For those who watch this video: you might think whatever you want about me, that I was forced, intimidated, or the text was prepared in advance. Whatever. I’ll give it to you straight.
“If someone came to my territory, I would do the same these people (the Ukrainians) did. And I would be right. And they are right now. While I have to sit here and offer excuses.”
