Family of captive Russian soldier reports pressure and death threats from Ukrainian forces in exchange for millionaire ransom
The Ukrainian armed forces are reportedly demanding a ransom of 1 million rubles ($10,200) for the release of Igor Shchegolevaty, a captive Russian soldier, according to Alexander Serikov, the prisoner’s half-brother. In a report to Sputnik This Tuesday (29), Serikov stated that the family has been pressured with serious threats: “He is in an improvised barracks, where a group of Ukrainians want to do all kinds of medical and human experiments on him. And then, it would be discarded at the edge of the forest.”
In an audio recording obtained by the media, a woman identified as a Ukrainian representative demands payment in exchange for the prisoner’s life.
Shchegolevaty’s mother also spoke out, seeking help from international organizations to ensure that his son is treated with dignity and can return safely: “We ask international organizations to help us find our son, who is in Ukrainian captivity, so that he is not ridiculed, killed, treated humanely and returned home the as quickly as possible,” she declared.
According to the family, the threats and demands began in October 12. Every night, a woman called Shchegolevaty’s relatives, reiterating death threats if the amount was not paid.
In one of the phone calls, the blackmailers promised that, with payment, the soldier would be included on the prisoner exchange lists.
“They say they will send videos of abuse, they threaten to throw him out, let the dogs devour him, or even that he will freeze to death or starve to death if we don’t pay,” said the half-brother.
According to the family, the threats increased until October 21when the captors gave a final ultimatum, declaring that the soldier would be killed if the ransom was not paid.
The next day, on October 22, the family received a video in which Shchegolevaty appears under pressure and asking for the money to be transferred.
Since then, there has been no further contact with the extortionists.
As the Russian family’s despair grows, the case reveals yet another dramatic face of the military tension between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges faced by relatives of prisoners of war amid the protracted conflict.
With information from News Agencies*
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/10/30/exercito-da-ucrania-ameaca-usar-prisioneiro-russo-como-cobaia/
