Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 10,000 Russian troops have been taken prisoner. According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War and the Khochu Zhyt project, 30% of these individuals did not complete their education, 40% have criminal records, and 38% were unemployed prior to the conflict.

The number of Russian soldiers surrendering has been increasing annually. In 2025 alone, the number of captured soldiers has surpassed the total from 2022 and 2023 combined. On average, between 60 and 90 Russian servicemen surrender each week, with a peak of 350 in August 2024.

The report indicates that since June 2023, Russian soldiers have been captured more frequently than Ukrainian soldiers have been taken prisoner by Russia. The highest numbers of prisoners have been recorded in the Pokrovsk and Bakhmut districts of Donetsk Oblast, as well as in Russia's Kursk Oblast and the Polohy district of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

In 2025, there has been a notable increase in the number of foreign mercenaries among the captured, with two to three foreign fighters being identified each week. Approximately 7% of all Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine are foreign nationals from 40 different countries.

Demographically, the majority of Russian prisoners are enlisted personnel (83%), followed by sergeants (13%) and officers (almost 3%). Their ages range from 18 to 65, with about 76% being contract soldiers, including those recruited from prisons and private military companies. Additionally, 19% are mobilized personnel and nearly 5% are conscripts.

The report highlights that 24% of Russian prisoners reported being coerced or deceived into service, and 40% have criminal convictions, primarily for theft, drug offenses, robbery, grievous bodily harm, and murder. Only 7% possess higher education, while 30% did not complete school. Prior to the war, 38% were unemployed, and nearly half have children, including 8% with three or more.

The report also notes that many prisoners suffer from severe chronic illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Through prisoner exchanges, just over 6,000 Russian prisoners of war have been returned to Russia, with more than half of these exchanges occurring in 2025. However, at least 237 former prisoners are known to have been killed or gone missing after being sent back to the front lines following exchanges.

Currently, four Russian soldiers are in captivity for a second time. The Coordination Headquarters emphasizes that Russia primarily seeks the return of ethnic Russians who are not severely injured and have had short periods of captivity, while foreign mercenaries are not prioritized for exchange.