**Russia’s Brutal Cruelty Exposed: ‘Glory to Russia’ Scar on Ukrainian POW**
More than three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, each new revelation of cruel treatment of Ukrainians in Russian captivity has become all too familiar. However, a recent shocking photo emerged online, showing a “Glory to Russia” scar carved onto the body of a Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW). The disturbing image sent shockwaves across the globe.
The photo, taken by a Ukrainian doctor at a rehabilitation center where the soldier was receiving treatment, showed the letter “Z,” a symbol of the invasion, alongside the words “Glory to Russia.” The inscription was branded into the right side of the body, alongside another surgical scar. What’s even more disturbing is that this act of cruelty was allegedly done by a Russian doctor during an operation.
**A Cynical Act**
Maksym Turkevych, CEO of Neopalymi (Unburned), a national program providing free care for war-related injuries, described the scar as “beyond cynical.” He emphasized that it was not meant to inflict pain but rather to leave a mark. According to him, the precision and technique used suggest that the doctor was trying to make a statement.
The soldier, identified only by his first name Andrii, was freed in an earlier exchange and has since been receiving treatment through Neopalymi. His identity remains undisclosed for safety reasons. Turkevych expressed confidence that the inscription on Andrii’s body was made by a surgeon, calling it “beyond cynical.”
**A System Built on Cruelty**
Turkevych believes that this act exposes a deeper truth about Russia: its entire structure is built on cruelty, aggression, and a willingness to commit deeply immoral acts. He emphasized that the sharp precision of Andrii’s scar suggests he was unconscious during the procedure.
According to Turkevych, Andrii had undergone multiple surgeries in captivity, including one where the “Glory to Russia” scar was carved onto his body. The soldier has a shrapnel injury and damage to his bladder, which required surgery. A catheter is still visible in the photo shared by the Ukrainian doctor.
Turkevych hopes that Andrii will be able to remove the scar within five to six months. He believes that this act of cruelty highlights the willingness of some Russians to commit deeply immoral acts just to show loyalty and secure a place within the system.
**A War Against Humanity**
The shocking photo serves as a stark reminder of Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine. It exposes the true nature of a war that has been waged on civilians, soldiers, and their families for over three years.
As Turkevych pointed out, there are still too many in Russia who knowingly join this brutal system. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to belong, regardless of how much it violates basic human values. This is a stark reminder that the war against Ukraine is not just about territory or politics but about humanity itself.
**Join the Fight for Truth**
As a journalist at the Kyiv Independent, Daria Shulzhenko has been working tirelessly to tell the stories of those affected by Russia’s brutal aggression. By telling these painful stories, we are helping to keep the world informed about the reality of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
By becoming a member of the Kyiv Independent, you can help us continue telling the world the truth about this war. Join the fight for truth and support our mission to expose Russia’s brutality and bring justice to those affected.
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