NBC News investigation shows how videos of Ukrainian prisoners are used for propaganda in Russia

An NBC News investigation shows that videos of Ukrainian prisoners of war are used in Russia to create the impression that soldiers reject their own country and support ending the war. Thousands of such recordings have been distributed on social media and, in some cases, by state-controlled television networks.

One of the cases is that of Volodymyr Srebrodolskyy, who was captured on the front line in eastern Ukraine. In a video posted on Telegram, he said he did not want to return to Ukraine. Residents of his hometown, Karpylivka, interpreted the footage as evidence of betrayal, even though the soldier was in captivity. After his death, his burial in the village was contested, and his body was buried approximately 100 kilometers away.

An autopsy conducted after his repatriation in April 2025 indicated a stab wound to the abdomen. Ukrainian prosecutors opened an investigation, which is still ongoing.

Former prisoners said they were beaten, intimidated, and coerced into making statements favorable to Russia. The UN found that 96% of the more than 850 Ukrainian prisoners interviewed reported torture or ill-treatment. International observers continue to have limited access to detention centers in Russia.