According to the Ukrainian government, the “I want to live” helpline has already received calls from more than 6,000 Russian soldiers, seeking help to withdraw from the front.
According to the Ukrainian government, 6,543 Russian soldiers contacted the “I want to live” helpline between September 15, 2022 (the day it was launched) and January 20. THE call centerwhose goal is to help the Russian army to surrender the war, is installed in a secret location to avoid interference.
Vitaly Matvienko, a spokesman for the prisoner-of-war department, told The Guardian newspaper that the identities of all Russian soldiers who come into contact with the helpline are verified through their service number and personal details.
There are 10 operators working on this project, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On average, they receive between 50 and 100 calls and messages every day.
“During the liberation of Kherson, we received calls from Russians saying: ‘Save our souls because we are stuck somewhere in the mud, our battalion is completely destroyed, we have 10 soldiers left, please get us out of this chaos,’” Matvienko reported. to the same newspaper.
Although he disclosed the total number of calls received, Matvienko did not provide information on the number of deliveries that have already been made. However, they have been known to be given the opportunity to be returned later in prisoner exchanges or remain in agency custody, eventually being able to stay in Ukraine or emigrate.
When Russians opt for prisoner exchanges, the spokesman for the prisoner-of-war department says he personally passes them the “I want to live” helpline cards, as often as soon as they return to Russia they are sent back. place in their seats on the battlefields.
Source: Observadora
