'Beaten To A Pulp': Ukrainian Volunteer Recounts Torture By Russian Troops

Serhiy Pihar says he was beaten and electrocuted by Russian troops while in captivity. The Ukrainian man was detained by invading Russian forces in June 2022 after helping people evacuate from his village in Ukraine's Mykolayiv region.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russi...

[@ancliuin2459]

All the best to the fighters of Ukraine and those who help them, and those who have to stay home and endure the Russian war crimes. Слава Україні!

[@isotropisch82]

Evil, sadistic Russia disgusts the world and must be punished. And I hope this man lives a peaceful and happy life from now on.

[@Manwendlil]

blame putin and his inner circle, not every common russian soldier. in war, not all is always so clear cut into black and white, good and evil; there are many nuances to be accounted for, and many motives, we don´t know at this point in time (perhaps future historians can shed some light on that) this man is marked for his life; will he ever be truely happy again?

[@isotropisch82]

@@Manwendlil There is such a thing as collective responsibility. It is a fact that many, many, many Russians know this is happening and choose to support it, and there are many many many Russians that know this is happening and choose to ignore it.

[@Liberal_From_Prairies689]

These stories about Ukrainians being treated so horribly by the Russians are infuriating and gut wrenching but at the same time it’s good to hear the stories of survival and what actually went on. The fear so many Ukrainians felt and are still feeling because of the terrorists who invaded their land and did this to them is palpable. Ukraine deserves justice for what has happened and what is still happening, Russia, especially Putin, the Kremlin, Wagner and vile terrorists who committed these acts need to be brought to justice and made to pay for what they’ve done. Prayers to all Ukrainians, condolences to all who have lost a loved one, a friend, a neighbour because of this invasion. Slava Ukraïni. 🇨🇦 🇺🇦

[@markiyanhapyak349]

🙏🏻 🙏🏻 🙏🏻 😕 😥... .

[@ultimaratio7373]

​@olsa6532 Russian troll

[@exiledhebrew1994]

Do you guys questions anything? If this guy was a POW; why wasn’t he traded for or executed?

[@Liberal_From_Prairies689]

@@exiledhebrew1994 how do you know he wasn't traded? And there are many many things going on under the radar, that don't follow rules of war, especially on Russia's part, Putin and his terrorists literally violated every law and convention and memorandum about war.

[@ultimaratio7373]

@@exiledhebrew1994 Do you not understand English? The man is a civilian, not a soldier.

[@kristalkristal2506]

This cruelty is sickening.

[@suecharnock9369]

and why we should support whatever the Ukrainians want in a heart beat. Because if they do not stop the Khuilo Putin WE will be next. They truly are fighting our next war for us.

[@mattyboy456]

Justice served by Ru

[@Manwendlil]

and sadly not unique to the russian army...even the us army had/has some black sheep. no one is really incapeable of commiting war-crimes and inhuman deeds...

[@alonsocushing2263]

Russians have always been a barbaric and savage peasant people.

[@mattyboy456]

​@@alonsocushing2263 it's funny you should say that cos Edolph used to say the same thing.. The rest is history

[@ellasmommy9278]

God bless him. I can't imagine surviving what he survived. Ukrainians are the most badass people in the world.

[@Nadia757]

I hope this brave man will be provided with all the help he needs, and all the other pows, so that they can live a life as normal as possible... muscovites will pay for everything they've done, and hopefully isolated for at least a century. Slava UkraÏni 💙💛

[@calgreg2569]

Judging by his clothes, doesn’t look like he has any help..

[@Nadia757]

@@calgreg2569 with the war still ongoing there is too much to do, the resources are never enough, we should pressure our governments to send not only military aid but also professional assistance, I know many soldiers are already being treated in EU and the US!

[@Mediocre_JT]

It's no surprise after watching women and children being shelled while trying to evacuate the flood.

[@carolpieper496]

Prayers for all the POWs and their loved ones. Lord bring them home and make this stop.

[@sarac.3259]

🙏🏻

[@mirchmama9051]

Speechless after hearing this gentleman. Full recovery and healing to you SIR!!

[@NoSuffix]

If I were a Ukrainian, I wouldn't show any mercy to Russian orcs after watching and hearing all sorts of unbelievably barbaric actions done by those beasts.

[@Ranstone]

Mercy is what keeps us from becoming them.

[@immortaltyger1569]

When prisoners are taken they do show mercy, because they want to trade them for their own people who are being held by the Russians.

[@brentjamescollins9731]

@@Ranstone There is a reason behind ukrainians being merciful which I personally share, that human life is God given and precious because of human beings being made in the image of God himself! For this reason ukrainians try to do what God expects them to do, which includes showing mercy towards other human beings, and Jesus from christianity said amongst many other things, that whatever one does to the least of one's brothers one also does to him! I think ukrainians themselves probably have no real idea of just how much positive change they are making in this world in showing such mercy and well treating their russian prisoners, they are literally changing this world for the better, but understandably would probably think what I have written here is something of an exaggeration, but I think they will come to see in time the truth of what I have written here! I appreciate you might not personally accept and believe as I do but Ukraine is apparently officially around 85% christian in its makeup! My best regards to you, Brent Collins.

[@grammagreat]

Blessings to this man.

[@chrissymoss514]

What kind of people are capable of doing such heinous acts to another human being? They are the real scum of the earth. Such barbaric, antiquated actions are definitely war crimes. Please God, protect and guide the brave people and soldiers of Ukraine 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #SLAVA #UKRAINI 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@eskilolsen3783]

The nazis and the sovjets did it, and IS and russia does it. If people stop wanting psychopathic leaders, we might get rid of the problem some day, but I'm not an optimist.

[@1midnightfish]

@@eskilolsen3783 Let's not forget that some NATO troops have also committed these crimes - in Iraq for sure, we have evidence. We also have evidence of summary killings of civilians by British special forces in Afghanistan, for example. At least in these forces it doesn't seem to be standard practice, but for as long as we cling to the belief that "our lot" just wouldn't be capable of doing such things, we'll be no closer to solving the root problem. It's not just about the leaders people choose, or put up with - we need to accept that humans are capable of doing horrific things to one another, and for the good of the planet and every living being on it, we need to keep this potential in check. By talking about it, and never forgetting. My best wishes to this brave man and every Ukrainian currently suffering at the hands of the invaders. Victory, justice, peace to Ukraine. 💙💛

[@eskilolsen3783]

@@1midnightfish yes, but never at such an organized level as the russians do. The biggest difference is that NATO-countries actually prosecute war criminals and russia hands out medals.

[@suecharnock9369]

reparation, double to anyone and their families who have been tortured of murdered. The whole country repaired and Russia to have no oil/ gas etc into their coffers until paid in full.

[@1midnightfish]

@@suecharnock9369 Yup, all that too.

[@allanjmacleod6438]

Slept sitting up...i had broken ribs and for almost two month i slept in my van in the front seat...i could not lay down! I feel for him!

[@sarac.3259]

That sounds horrible. Bad enough when it's unintentional.

[@jgdooley2003]

Broken ribs are an absolute bastard and can cause damage to the lungs. Any difficulty breathing should be investigated immediately as a broken rib can puncture a lung and cause your death if your lungs collapse. This guys voice seems to suggest his lungs are OK thank God. His walk suggests trauma still with his feet which is an absolute tragedy to think about.

[@allanjmacleod6438]

@@jgdooley2003 i was lucky...just two ribs broken and no internal damage. I was told pneamonia is common during or near end of healing. I was also told to smoke so i would expand my lungs---coughing! A frend of mine actually through himself 5 stories and puncture his lungs...took 3 months to heal in hospital. Internal wounds are the worst!

[@mattyboy456]

😂😂🤣

[@mattyboy456]

​​@@allanjmacleod6438 ya ya.. It ain't that big of a deal.. Just A few ribs.. Will buff right out

[@gregsscubavids5128]

We need to remember this when eventually some deluded politicians advocate for removing sanctions and restoring friendly relations with Russia Greedy western businesses will want profitable business relations with Russia as soon as they can too. Never forgive nor forget.

[@markiyanhapyak349]

🤩 🤩 💥 💥 😍 😍 I *Wonder* these words didn't come from my mouth (/hands)... . 😲 😲 👍🏻 😲 😲 👍🏻

[@susansmith9263]

😔 Glad Serhiy survived these despicable acts. A year and a half later I still can't comprehend the sheer sadism of the Russian war on Ukraine. The leveling of cities, intentionally attacking civilian targets and other war crimes that can only be associated with a war of extermination. 🙏💙💛🙏💙💛🙏 Glory to the defenders of Ukraine. 🇺🇲 🇺🇦

[@markiyanhapyak349]

Thank you Very MUCH...!! 😥 🙏🏻 😥 🙏🏻

[@kayodeahmed9412]

SHAME on the Russian perpetrators of evil acts💩

[@Manwendlil]

someone must pay for this...this is ultimately putin and his rashistic henchmens fault. they should pay dearly for this, and other war-crimes! but all russians?

[@mattyboy456]

​@@Manwendlil 🤡🤡

[@argelynbasco6856]

So inhuman I hope they been through oc what they did to this poor Ukrainian man.I am happy still because his ok now but I know the wound and anger still fresh.keep strong and brave sir.slava Ukraine slava heroes.

[@Manwendlil]

will he ever be ok again? he must have some serious PTSD after this ordeal...

[@nataliiateteruk585]

This man and others should get so much free access to European help as nobody else.

[@weelass3188]

This poor man has suffered so much. The civilized world is watching and will never forget the cruelty of the Russians.

[@rochelleb973]

💔😢🙏

[@suecharnock9369]

a lesson from life and my background - EVERY person who has been beaten and tortured like this is at a large risk if MS and Parkinsons in later life. It might come in five years, ten years, but sadly for a lot of them, it will come. I know the Ukrainians are clever and thoughtful. If any are reading this, please get your medical services ready for this. Because, sadly, it will come and along with possible increased cases of brain tumours and other trauma induced cancers.

[@markiyanhapyak349]

…trauma inducted cancers...?

[@sarac.3259]

I wasn't aware of any causal link to MS, but the cancers and Parkinsons, sadly, there will be more instances of those.

[@CatalystD9]

💙💛🇺🇦🙏🇨🇦🔱🔥

[@asanitationstompout8473]

Russian KIAs up 222.6k+, WIAs up 661.3k+, casualties total over 881.8k (minusrus|ukrinform) . .. .. . .. . .... .. Keep the mountains of corpses coming, UA. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿😔 🇺🇸🇺🇦

[@brentjamescollins9731]

Thank you Ukraine for trying to do your best to well treat your prisoners. You are literally making this whole world a better place in doing this. Thank you, Brent Collins.

[@evak293]

I have no words. It is so cruel und inhumane. All my prayers go to the Ukrainian people. How can those Russians live with that guilt?

[@augustaj3952]

🙏🇺🇦

[@dennistate5953]

Thank you; i'm sorry.

[@cyncity20]

God bless him and all the others Russian have tortured just unforgivable

[@pamelahomeyer748]

Heartbreaking ❤ thank you for your service and your bravery

[@yamato7979]

Glory & victory for 🇺🇦 Ukraine.

[@Shibalove9454]

Bless this brave soul…🫡🙏🏼🤗 🇺🇦Slava Ukraini🇺🇦❤️

[@markiyanhapyak349]

It's SO *HARD* to put a like on this video......😥 😥 😥 😥 😥 😥…!!! WHY do people turn away...?

[@johnhudghton3535]

How very, very, cruel and barbaric. If Putin is not stopped this brutality will visit all of Europe eventually.

[@corazonagoncillo2699]

It is not surprising anymore Russian soldiers' capacity for cruelty and barbaric acts,what is very amazing is the Ukrainians' capacity for suffering, determination ,faith and courage.

[@jdhorton1432]

Freakin animals!!! They'll get theirs, though!

[@Manwendlil]

if they are animals, are you really a human?

[@U.H8]

♥️♥️♥️🙏🏻♥️♥️♥️ ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Nemeraton45]

All of my love to the brave and strong Ukrainian soldiers who fights these murdering pigs of Russia. Slava Ukraina!

[@paintballusa1658]

So horrible that humans can be so evil.

[@emil_rainbow]

No mercy for orcs. Each and every one is culpabable.

[@KarmaKitten01]

Thank you for sharing his story. I’m sorry he had to go through that. The Russian barbarism disgusts me. I pray that he continues to heal, that he is supported by loved ones through the tough days, and may he be able to live free of oppression. What a horrible experience… 🇨🇦🫶🏻🇺🇦 Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava!

[@viiviwagner3240]

God save Ukraine 🇺🇦 🙏 people 🇺🇦 💙 🙏 Amen 💝 🙏

[@asanitationstompout8473]

Corpse 🗻 🇺🇸🇺🇦

[@MikeOxlong-]

As much as the world absolutely must see and hear these stories, they’re incredibly difficult to watch… I vehemently hope that no single vile animal of the notZ terrorist mafia is able to find the means to escape retribution for their crimes against humanity. Not a single orc should be allowed to roam free ever again..

[@heavysoftness8530]

Beasts

[@geerliglecluse5297]

About barbarians and how to motivate your enemies for the next 3 to 5 generations. Just ask the Russians.

[@pew3836]

clearly torture wasnt that bad since he can still walk and lives unfortunately

[@emiliasegador9772]

God saved you...and now those beast are suffering

[@PjotrII]

A REAL HERO FIGHTING THE ORC ARMY AND IT´S DICTATOR!

[@Manwendlil]

orcs do exist only in fantasy. and doesn´t have the ukrainian army their own breed of "orcs" (not literally speaking, of course)

[@wzigunabe3761]

Russia, "Why does west hate us?"

[@ozzy7763]

If you’ve heard the intercepted phone calls between Russian soldiers and their families back home in Russia you’d understand what kind of people you are dealing with . They are animals.

[@mantenimlallengua]

And the you see the Russians cheering the Wagners, but hey, keep saying this is Putin's war and not Russian's fault...

[@chucksneed5947]

🇷🇺 💪

[@geralt_rivia1974]

m0r0n

[@SilvanMarty]

Hello europe Why european not doing biggest pressure on UN, redcross and another useless behaviour? Why european not now having a law that's every european able be legal joining 🇺🇦 freedom fight? Why european not able giving they legally ukraine citizenship for some time, and if want holding it later they able to be ukraine if they want? Why european not support every willing fighting for europe, giving they rights, paying and weapons 🙏 Its an european fight not only ukrainian!

[@EdxPin]

The world would be such a better place when Russia is whiped off the world map.

[@agustinussiahaan6669]

Does he walk normal?

[@mattyboy456]

Too bad.. He lived to tell the tale

[@ultimaratio7373]

Russian orc.

[@badhero88]

I don't get it they cry for mercy but mobilise poor souls to send more "counter offensive " waves?

[@MikeOxlong-]

Idiot.

[@vladnickul]

.... For a dude that's tortured and beat to a pulp he looks damn good. .... I have seen womans more beaten them that....

[@Siempre1978]

"Tonight, Russian Aerospace Forces launched group long-range precision strikes at AFU foreigh-made hardware and weapons depot. Assigned target has been destroyed. The goal of the strike has been achieved. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have continued their unsuccessful attempts to launch offensive in South Donetsk, Zaporozhskoye, Donetsk, and Krasny Liman directions during the past 24 hours. Two attacks by AFU units of the 37th Marine Brigade have been repelled near Vremevka salient, Novodonetskoye and Makarovka in South Donetsk direction. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation have launched strikes at manpower and hardware clusters of 31st Mechanised Brigade, 110th and 128th Territorial Defence brigades close to Neskuchnoye, Novosyolki, and Novodarovka. As a result of the strikes, an infantry fighting vehicle, as well as three armoured fighting vehicles have been destroyed. In Zaporozhye direction, aviation and artillery of the Vostok Group of Forces inflicted a fire damage on the AFU units close to Novodanilovka, Preobrazhenka, Shcherbaki, and Lobkovoye. Total losses of the enemy over the past 24 hours in these directions have amounted to over 110 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, eight armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, and two D-20 howitzers. In Donetsk direction, the Yug Group of Forces aviation, artillery have successfully repelled four enemy attacks close to Vesesoye, Severnoye, and Pervomayskoye. Over 185 Ukrainian servicemen, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armoured fighting vehicles, and three motor vehicles have been eliminated in this direction during the day. Apart from that, two ammunition depots of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been destroyed near Seversk and Avdeevka (Donetsk People's Republic). In Krasny Liman direction, committed and skillful actions of Russian units, Operational-Tactical Aviation, artillery and heavy flamethrower systems of the Tsentr Group of Forces allowed to repel five enemy attacks close to Kuzmino and Serebryansky forestry. Aviation inflicted fire damage on the 21th and 67 Mechanised Brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Terni and Serebryanka. In addition, actions of three sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been thwarted near Yampolovka, Chervonaya Dibrova, and Serebryansky forestry. The enemy has suffered losses of over 135 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured fighting vehicles, three pick-up trucks, one Akatsiya self-propelled howitzer, and one D-30 howitzer in this direction in the past 24 hours. In Kupyansk direction, Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces have destroyed AFU manpower and hardware close to Novomlynsk, Petropavlovka, Kotlyarovka, and Stelmakhovka. In addition, two sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were neutralised near Sinkovka and Novosyolovskoye. The enemy's losses amounted to up to 30 Ukrainian troops, armoured personnel carrier, two motor vehicles, as well as an American-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system during the day. In Kherson direction, up to 45 Ukrainian servicemen, two motor vehicles, and a D-30 howitzer have been neutralised by fire. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Group of Forces have engaged 105 AFU artillery units at their fire positions, manpower, and military hardware in 124 areas during the day. Moreover, a command and observation post of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was destroyed close to Veseloye. Air defence forces have intercepted five Storm Shadow cruise missiles and two HIMARS MLRS projectiles during the day. Air defence means have shot down 15 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles near Dvurechnoye (Kharkov region), Kremennaya, Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic), Razdolovka, Volnovakha, Kirillovka, Krasnopolye (Donetsk People's Republic), Lyubimovka, Mirnoye (Zaporozhye region), and Chervoniy Mayak (Kherson region). In total, 444 airplanes and 240 helicopters, 4,740 unmanned aerial vehicles, 426 air defence missile systems, 10,278 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,129 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,193 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 11,110 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation." Russian Defence Ministry Report for Thursday 22nd July 2023

[@axelk6521]

Wait! You forgot the 8 million HIMARS, 10 million infected mosquitoes and 13 million bioengineered super soldiers! 😂

[@bl4ckb3ll]

This is nothing compared to nazikraine 🇲🇨🇷🇺

[@nikkibaugher1072]

PUBLISH in ENGLISH!

[@nigeljames6017]

Can you not read the translation ? Or are you just a bot ?

[@mattyboy456]

Serves him right.. Clownisky's SS

[@ultimaratio7373]

Russian troll.

[@user-tm5em4vu7u]

How many millions has the US government tortured? What about Guantanamo? Why not report on that?

[@ultimaratio7373]

It has been reported. And it's nowhere near a bad as this. Not even close.

[@guff9567]

Dont blame the Russian troops. Blame those who voted Zalenski

[@Manwendlil]

blame not zelensky, but blame putin and his hitlerite regime.,,

[@sauron73]

We blame you too for supporting nazi Putler

[@theovanderstorm3171]

Are you out of your mind?

[@Manwendlil]

@@theovanderstorm3171 and you are saner?

[@geralt_rivia1974]

blame yourself for sucking Putin's pullywag non stop 😅

[@conceptalfa]

All this could have been avoided if Ukraine had been proclaimed by both parts as a neutral country!!!

[@asanitationstompout8473]

Russians don't giva damn about that deal anymore, probably never did either. Probably just an excuse to get the war going. Sure as hell ain't stopping until Ukraine is gone or Putin/Moscow is finished.

[@LR-jk2jk]

You forget that in Putin's eyes Ukraine doesn't exist, so it could never be a neutral country because it's not a country. Just another sick Russian twist.

[@1midnightfish]

This could have been avoided if the rf had accepted Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, instead of invading and annexing territory in 2014 - Ukrainians didn't even want to join NATO until then. Failing that, this could also have been avoided if western countries, again in 2014, had honoured the promise they made when Ukraine agreed to give up its nuclear arsenal after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Why should Ukraine, or indeed any country, be a gray zone forever? The rf didn't need a gray zone anyway - they NEVER would have been attacked by NATO. Because they have a ton of nukes. Lastly, more of these horrors can still be avoided. If the rf instantly withdraws all troops from Ukrainian territory back to 1991 borders, permanently ceases all hostilities and returns all Ukrainians currently in captivity.

[@agnelomascarenhas8990]

WTF are you talking. Ukraine is a sovereign country doing what is best for them. Russia cannot dictate any country. Stop blaming the victim.

[@conceptalfa]

@@agnelomascarenhas8990 unfortunately you misunderstood it all!!!

[@fernandjohnson9448]

CRY BABY> If he is there, was not so bad. He should be thank full he is alive

[@fernandjohnson9448]

What he is talking about is what Ukraine soldiers do to russians