Police Detain Russian Soldier Who Crossed the Front Line and Headed Toward Zaporizhzhia

Police officers from Orikhiv have detained a Russian soldier who was attempting to reach Zaporizhzhia.

The incident took place near the active combat zone while officers were on patrol, according to the 061 news website.

Law enforcement officers noticed a man dressed in civilian clothing who tried to pose as deaf. His behavior, however, aroused suspicion. A subsequent check revealed that the man was a member of the Russian armed forces who had deserted his position and was attempting to enter Ukrainian-controlled territory.

After his explanations raised further questions, the suspect was handed over to counterintelligence officials.

The detainee was identified as 40-year-old Valentyn Bulaha. He stated that he is originally from Kazakhstan and had been living in the city of Birobidzhan (the Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Russia). Last November, he signed a contract with the Russian army and was deployed to Ukraine in December.

According to Bulaha, he had no intention of fighting and fled his position at the first opportunity. He said he was traveling on foot toward Zaporizhzhia, planning to remain in Ukrainian-controlled territory.

After his detention, he admitted his status as a serviceman and handed over his military ID to law enforcement officers. The detainee has now been officially recognized as a prisoner of war and transferred to the appropriate Ukrainian authorities.