For two years, Oleh has guarded Russians who once tried to kill him, now surrounded at a POW camp in Lviv. The work forces Ukrainians to suppress grief while treating enemy soldiers, knowing Russian forces invaded their land and committed atrocities. Motivations vary: Oleh seeks to exorcise hatred, while others are driven by curiosity or pay.
Russia’s systematic mistreatment of POWs, documented by the UN and rights groups, contrasts with Ukraine’s efforts to show decency. This imbalance fuels pain, especially visible in prisoner swaps where skeletal Ukrainians are traded for healthy Russians. Oleh, 58, keeps his job secret from his fighting brothers and nephews.
Ivan, 42, helped establish Ukraine’s first POW camp after the 2022 invasion. He faces constant criticism from Ukrainians who question treating Russian prisoners well. Ivan argues it benefits Ukraine, showing the country as a civilized European nation unlike its enemies.
Roman struggles with the emotional toll, having taken leave after his wife’s cousin died in combat. He minimized contact with prisoners upon returning, feeling a constant barrier. Oleksii maintains physical distance, viewing prisoners as enemies who would kill him.
Despite the discomfort, workers and the Red Cross emphasize that treating prisoners humanely distinguishes Ukraine from Russia and aids its international image. The UN recently reported conditions generally comply with international humanitarian law and have improved since 2022.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing