CCD: Russia disseminates staged "evidence" of alleged torture after prisoner exchanges
The Russian authorities are once again using servicemen who have returned from captivity to spread videos with alleged "testimonies of torture in Ukraine." This was reported by the Centre for Countering Disinformation.
According to the Centre, propaganda Telegram channels have published a video featuring a Russian soldier who, after returning from captivity, claims that "Ukrainian soldiers committed atrocities." At the same time, the material contains no confirmation or evidence other than the man's own words.
The Centre emphasises that such videos appear regularly — practically every prisoner exchange is accompanied by a series of such recordings. According to the agency's assessment, these "testimonies" have the characteristics of pre-prepared texts.
The Centre for Countering Disinformation considers this to be part of a systematic information campaign. It notes that the appearance of the returned Russian soldiers often does not confirm their statements about alleged torture, as they are in satisfactory health.
At the same time, the report emphasises that Russia systematically violates the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war by using violence against them.
According to the Centre's assessment, the dissemination of such videos is aimed at discrediting Ukraine and justifying Russia's own actions. Such materials are part of the information operations that Russia is conducting in parallel with its military actions.
