Scandal after the exchange: a soldier who burned an infantry fighting vehicle and surrendered in 2021 is returned
26 May 11:54
Among the thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war recently released as part of a major exchange, a name was revealed that caused shock and outrage in society. We are talking about Anatoliy Taranenko, a fighter who voluntarily surrendered to pro-Russian militants back in 2021, having previously burned his own infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). This was reported by journalist Andriy Tsaplienko, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Who is Anatoliy Taranenko?
Anatoliy Taranenko was a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who left his position in 2021 and surrendered to the militants on his own, having previously set fire to an infantry fighting vehicle belonging to the unit.
This step immediately raised suspicions of desertion and treason, and soon his name appeared in the Russian media, which actively used this story to discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Testimonies about behavior in captivity
According to other prisoners of war who were held together with Taranenko, his behavior was far from honorable or human. Witnesses say that he asked the Russians for a knife to torture other Ukrainian soldiers, and openly expressed his desire to obtain Russian citizenship and fight against Ukraine.
Use in Russian propaganda
Taranenko’s story was not ignored by the Russian information machine. His voluntary surrender, desertion and anti-Ukrainian statements were used as an example of “disappointed Ukrainian military” who went over to the side of the aggressor.
He became an “information hero” of Russian propaganda, the face of a fictional narrative about alleged “war fatigue” in the Ukrainian army.
Back to 2025: why the public was outraged
The fact that Anatoliy Taranenko is on the exchange list raises logical questions: on what basis was he recognized as a prisoner of war, and who included him in the list for release.
It is worth noting that Gennadiy Kharchenko, a former Azov prisoner, said that during the prisoner exchange, the Ukrainian side releases traitors and deserters.
