English
Russian forces have been systematically forcing Ukrainian prisoners of war to record propaganda videos while in captivity, according to a new NBC News investigation published on September 22, 2026. The videos target domestic Russian audiences and aim to build public support for the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, they serve a second purpose: to create division and distrust within Ukrainian society.
Prisoners Forced to Perform on Camera
Ukrainian soldiers held in Russian captivity describe being compelled to appear in staged recordings. Russian captors use these videos as tools of information warfare. The content is carefully designed to shape public opinion both inside Russia and back home in Ukraine.
Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.
The psychological impact on those forced to participate runs deep. Many former prisoners of war continue to struggle with the consequences long after their release. The videos follow them home, resurfacing in their communities and complicating their return to civilian life.
NBC News Investigation Travels to Ukraine
NBC News journalist Jane Lytvynenko traveled to Ukraine to investigate the full scope of this propaganda operation. Her reporting examines how these videos spread through local communities and affect the lives of soldiers who have returned from Russian captivity.
Lytvynenko’s investigation explores the human cost behind each recording. Former captives must not only recover from the physical and emotional trauma of imprisonment. They also face the burden of footage that can damage their reputations and relationships at home.
A Deliberate Strategy of Influence
Analysts and observers have long noted Russia’s use of information operations alongside its military campaign. However, this investigation brings new detail to how that strategy plays out at the individual level. Each forced recording represents both a personal violation and a calculated act of psychological warfare.
The propaganda videos are designed to serve Russia on two fronts. First, they reinforce domestic narratives that justify the invasion to Russian audiences. Second, they attempt to undermine trust and morale within Ukraine by turning the voices of captured soldiers against their own country.
The NBC News report highlights the lasting damage this tactic causes. For returning Ukrainian prisoners of war, freedom from captivity does not always mean freedom from the videos made inside it. The investigation sheds light on a largely hidden dimension of the conflict and the personal toll it continues to take on those caught in its grip.
