**Ukrainian Troops Capture 27 Russian Soldiers**
Ukrainian paratroopers and other units have captured 27 Russian service members in Russia‘s Kursk Oblast. The capture happened during hostilities in the region.
The Airborne Assault Troops’ press service announced on January 16 that among those captured were officers, sergeants, and privates from different Russian units and regions, including Sevastopol.
Ukraine has been fighting in the southwestern Kursk Oblast since August 2024. The country hopes to use its positions there as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Russia.
Russia has increased efforts to drive Ukrainian forces out of the territory, deploying North Korean troops and regaining control over part of the area taken by Ukraine.
The Airborne Assault Troops’ press service called on other Russian soldiers not to resist and surrender. They promised to treat captured Russian prisoners of war (POW) in accordance with international law.
This is not the first time Ukraine has captured Russian soldiers. Just a day earlier, Ukraine’s National Guard announced the capture of 23 Russian soldiers during combat operations near Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast.
Ukraine and Russia regularly exchange prisoners. Last January 15, 25 Ukrainians, including Azovstal defenders, were released by Russia.