A group of Russian soldiers voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian forces in Kupiansk, utilizing a chatbot from the initiative “I Want to Live.” The soldiers had been stationed in the area for approximately six months without logistical support or rotations.
Facing a dire situation, the soldiers contacted representatives of the “I Want to Live” project and provided their coordinates. Communication with the group was facilitated by members of the “Charter” battalion tactical group, who monitored the surrender process online.
“I wrote to the hotline on Telegram ‘I Want to Live,’ and a bot responded, recording all my information. Then I sent my location and position,” one of the surrendered soldiers recounted.
During the evacuation, the group was spotted by a Russian drone, prompting the Russian military to open fire on its own troops using mortars and FPV drones to prevent their surrender. The soldiers had to take refuge in residential areas before reaching a safe zone.
Ultimately, the evacuation was successfully completed using all-terrain vehicles. One of the captured soldiers remarked, “There is intense propaganda: they sit, not knowing what to expect. But they have few options—either die or surrender.” He urged other Russian soldiers not to wait for death.
The situation in Kupiansk remains tense. Recently, Ukrainian defenders refuted claims of a Russian breakthrough into residential areas of the city, asserting that Kupiansk is fully under the control of Ukrainian Armed Forces. Earlier, Ukrainian defense forces thwarted an attempt by Russian troops to launch a large-scale offensive in the area, destroying enemy armored vehicles and paratroopers.
Reports indicate that Russian forces have effectively trapped themselves in the industrial zone of the city, coming under the fire control of Ukrainian artillery. Additionally, footage has emerged showing the Ukrainian flag flying over the left bank of Kupiansk, confirming the consolidation of Ukrainian units in key positions.
A group of Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian forces in Kupiansk after using a chatbot for assistance. The situation in the area remains tense, with Ukrainian forces asserting full control despite previous claims of a Russian breakthrough.