Ten Kilometres Under Fire: Ukraine Medals Soldiers Who Brought a Belarusian Fighting for Russia Out Alive

Two Ukrainian soldiers carried a wounded Belarusian national - fighting for Russia - on their shoulders for ten kilometres across mined terrain, under fire, so that he would survive. Ukraine gave them medals for it.

The soldiers, Bohdan Didushko and Ivan Matsola of the 47th Brigade "Magura," were recognised at a ceremony hosted by Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War for what officials described as an act requiring heroism, significant effort, and personal risk.

The prisoner was a Belarusian national - a foreign fighter serving in Russia's army, not a Russian citizen. He was wounded when captured. The two soldiers chose to bring him out alive.

Why Ukraine Medals This

The ceremony was not just a gesture of recognition. It reflects a deliberate Ukrainian policy: capturing enemy soldiers alive is both a strategic and a humanitarian priority.

Brigadier General Dmytro Usov, Secretary of the Coordination Headquarters, spoke at the ceremony:

"It is thanks to such warriors that the exchange fund is replenished, the lives of our servicemen are saved, and the day approaches when even more Ukrainian families will be able to embrace their loved ones. Thank you for your service, endurance, and dedication to Ukraine."

Ivan Matsola received the honorary distinction "For Assistance to the Coordination Headquarters" in person. Bohdan Didushko's award was received on his behalf by representatives of the 47th OMBr "Magura."

What This Means for Foreign Fighters

This is not an isolated case. Ukraine's approach to enemy prisoners - including foreign nationals recruited into Russian forces - is grounded in legal obligations and humanitarian values. Prisoners are processed, documented, and held under conditions consistent with the international humanitarian law which includes proper healthcare, nutrition, decent detention conditions in designated facilities accessed by international organizations and monitoring missions including the Red Cross.

For foreign fighters currently serving in Russian units, this matters. Many were recruited under false pretences, do not speak Russian, have no meaningful ability to refuse orders, and have little understanding of what surrender to Ukrainian forces would involve. The answer, in practice, is that it involves being alive and treated with humanity.

Ukraine's "I Want to Live" provides a verified, safe surrender channel that works for Russia's army servicemen including foreign nationals. Find out more about the program here.

The alternative - being ordered into a kill zone because you are expendable - has been documented in intercepted Russian communications.

Source: Coordination Headquarters for Treatment of the Prisoners of War