Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday offered guaranteed protections to Russian soldiers who surrender amid the conflict between the countries after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he was calling up 300,000 reservists to replenish Russian forces.

Appealing directly to Russians during anaddress, Zelensky said Ukraine could guarantee three terms to Russian soldiers in exchange for their surrender.

He said captured Russians will be treated in a civilized manner, the circumstances of their surrender will remain undisclosed and Ukraine will find a way to ensure captured Russians who do not want to return to Russia are not exchanged.

Putin announced the call ups on Wednesday as Ukraine pushes Russian forces back from territory they captured during the war.
He told Russians that surrendering to Ukrainian captivity is better than being killed in the war.


Putin reportedly signed laws on Saturday strengthening the penalty for Russian soldiers who voluntarily surrender to up to 10 years in prison.

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