Ukrainian Veteran Vladyslav Zadorin Recounts 679 Days of Torture in Russian Captivity, Identifies Guards

Ukrainian Marine Vladyslav Zadorin, captured on Snake Island at the outset of Russia's full-scale invasion, has detailed the horrific physical and mental torture he endured during 679 days in Russian captivity. His harrowing account, widely shared, aims to expose the systematic abuses faced by Ukrainian prisoners of war. Zadorin's story underscores broader reports of widespread torture in Russian-held facilities.

Zadorin, a marine with the 35th Brigade, was taken prisoner in February 2022 and held in various locations, including Kursk Detention Center №1, before his release in January 2024. During his captivity, he suffered severe physical violence, including beatings with bottles, electric shocks, and having needles shoved under his nails. He also reported a fractured spine, broken ribs, and torn toenails.

The psychological torment was equally brutal, with Zadorin losing half his body weight, dropping from 120 kg to 60 kg, due to intentional starvation. He recounted being forced to eat "toothpaste with rye bread," worms, snails, mice, toilet paper, and soap to survive. He also described instances of sexual violence, including a practice referred to as "lollipop" involving a rubber club, and reports of surgical castration among other prisoners.

Following an investigation by Slidstvo.info, Zadorin identified four Russian prison guards allegedly involved in the torture at Kursk Detention Center №1: Vitaliy Vinogradov, Aleksei Baranov (nicknamed "Lozhechnik" for beating prisoners with a spoon), Dmitiy Lozhkin ("The Dog" for unleashing dogs on POWs), and Alexey Baglay. These revelations have brought specific individuals into focus regarding alleged war crimes.

Zadorin's experiences align with findings from the UN Human Rights Office, which reported in February that Russian authorities have subjected Ukrainian POWs to systematic and widespread torture, including sexual violence. The Wall Street Journal also cited former Russian Federal Penitentiary Service employees stating that prison administrations were instructed to torture captured Ukrainian soldiers. Zadorin now serves as an ambassador for the "Break the Fake" project, combating disinformation and sharing his testimony to ensure the world understands the realities of Russian captivity.