The article reports on a claim by Ukrainian intelligence that the Russian government is using prisoners‘ families as leverage to force them to cooperate with their efforts in Ukraine. The BBC quotes a source within Ukrainian intelligence stating that only a small number of cases have been reported where relatives agree to work with Russia.
According to the report, Svitlana, whose husband Dima was held captive by Russian forces for over two years, received threatening phone calls from Russians trying to get her to cooperate. However, when her husband was released after being exchanged as part of a prisoner swap, he told her that the Russians did not carry out their threats.
The article also mentions allegations made by Russia against Ukraine, claiming that Ukrainian handlers are attempting to coerce residents of Russia to commit acts of sabotage and arson within Russian territory.
The BBC reports on the human impact of this situation, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on families affected by war. Svitlana describes her feelings when she finally heard from her husband after being apart for so long, saying that there were “tears of joy like I’ve never cried before.”