I haven't added up the numbers, but am I right in guessing Russia has captured more Americans fighting for Ukraine, than Ukraine has captured North Koreans fighting for Russia?
Russia has detained several foreign nationals, including Americans, during its conflict with Ukraine. Notable cases include:
Trevor Reed: A former U.S. Marine, Reed was previously imprisoned in Russia and released in a prisoner exchange in April 2022. He later joined the Ukrainian military as a foreign fighter in November 2022. In 2023, he was reportedly injured in Eastern Ukraine and treated in Germany. A Russian court subsequently sentenced him in absentia to 14.5 years for his involvement as a mercenary in Ukraine.
AP News
Stephen Hubbard: A 72-year-old American from Michigan, Hubbard signed a contract with the Ukrainian military after Russia's invasion in February 2022. He fought until his capture two months later. In October 2024, a Russian court sentenced him to nearly seven years in a general-security prison for allegedly fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine.
POLITICO
Alexander Drueke and Andy Huynh: In June 2022, reports emerged that these two American fighters were missing in Ukraine and feared captured by Russian forces. Both were military veterans who had traveled from Alabama to join a Ukrainian volunteer unit. Their capture was among the first known instances of American volunteers being taken prisoner by Russian forces since the conflict began.
BBC
Additionally, Russia has detained other foreign nationals:
Oscar Jenkins: An Australian national captured by Russian forces in Ukraine. The Australian government has demanded that Russia adhere to international humanitarian obligations concerning prisoners of war.
news
Alexander Ante and José Medina: Two former Colombian soldiers who fought in Ukraine and were captured. They are set to be tried in Moscow on mercenary charges and face up to 15 years in prison.
Le Monde.fr
The exact number of foreign nationals detained by Russia in the context of the Ukraine conflict is not publicly available, and the status of some individuals may have changed due to prisoner exchanges or other diplomatic actions.
god knows we should not expect coherent, rationale or a balanced response from some of the deranged, genocide/ethnic cleansing denying fruitcakes that have a habit of ignoring such things as facts and basic manners.
This post was edited by ferdia on Jan 12 2025 03:45am