Slovak soldier captured in Ukraine reveals regret over Russian enlistment

A citizen of Slovakia joined the army of the Russian Federation. The man is currently held captive by Ukrainians and declares that he does not want to return to Russia. He would prefer to serve his sentence for joining Vladimir Putin's army and fighting against Ukraine in his home country. He shared his story in a candid interview.

He initially operated in the occupied Luhansk region and was captured by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region. The interview with the Slovak mercenary was published by Ukrainian director and journalist Alexander Kachura. The interviewee identified himself as Jaroslav Hałajczyk.

Kachura reported that his interviewee admitted that some of his comrades died on the front and did not reach the designated location. Hałajczyk worked as a medic and helped evacuate the wounded—or so he believes. Is that true? Ukrainian services will certainly investigate thoroughly.

As he stated, one of the attacks caused him a concussion and injuries.

He went towards the Russian positions, where he found an empty trench. He hid there, but a drone struck the trench again, said Kachura.

His interviewee attempted to move towards the Russian army soldiers. However, he got the directions wrong and ended up in the hands of Ukrainians.

The Ukrainian journalist's interviewee did not specify when exactly he got to the front line. He claimed to be a contract soldier but did not actively participate in the fighting.

He shared the unit with other mercenaries—Indians, Nepalese, and Mongolians.

The detainee declared that instead of returning to Russia, he would like to serve his sentence in his home country. In Slovakia, mercenary activities are punishable by two to eight years of imprisonment. His country has not yet decided what will happen to him, just like Ukraine, where he remains a prisoner of war.

He was the only Slovak in his unit. The only European Union citizen. They mocked him, calling him a spy—claimed the Ukrainian journalist.