Zelensky to Russian Troops: "Mobilization is a Road to the Grave, Secret Protection Guaranteed if You Surrender"

In Late-Night Speech, "Three Guarantees Upon Surrender to Russian Forces"

President Zelensky delivering a speech urging the Russian military to surrender in Russian. Photo by the Office of President Zelensky, Telegram capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Russian soldiers mobilized under Russia's reserve forces mobilization order to surrender on the 24th (local time).

The Ukrainian presidential office released the midnight speech delivered by President Zelensky in Russian, stating that he "will guarantee three things to the surrendered Russian soldiers."

In his speech, he said, "We will comply with all international treaties and treat prisoners in a civilized manner." He then announced the second point: "Under no circumstances will the Russian side be able to know whether the surrender was voluntary or under what conditions it occurred."

Additionally, as the third point, he emphasized, "If the surrendered Russian soldiers do not wish to return to Russia through prisoner exchanges, we will find a way for that as well."

Earlier, regarding the reserve forces mobilization order declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Zelensky stated, "This mobilization order is being called a 'mobilization to the grave' as soon as it was announced," and claimed, "Russian commanders do not care about the lives of Russians."

He continued, "It is better not to receive a mobilization notice than to die as a war criminal on foreign soil," and pointed out, "It is better to be captured by our forces than to be killed by Ukrainian weapons."

At the end of his speech, he urged the Russian military to surrender, saying, "An important moment has come. It is now being decided whether life will end or not."