Investigation underway on claims that released Ukrainian POW collaborated with Russians in captivity

Former prisoner of war and participant in the air breakthrough to Mariupol, Viktor "Leleka" Lakhno, has stated that on 17 July, a serviceman who allegedly collaborated with the Russians while in captivity was exchanged. The 35th Separate Marine Brigade, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), and the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War have reported that they are investigating the information. Source: Lakhno on Instagram; the 35th Separate Marine Brigade on Facebook; the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda; Andrii Yusov, spokesman for DIU, in an interview with Radio Liberty

Details: Lakhno said that Maksym Bobylev, who was brought back from captivity on 17 July, allegedly participated in the beating of soldiers from the Azov Brigade and collaborated with the administration of the prison where the captives were held. 

Lakhno claims that Bobylev is from Kherson Oblast and during his captivity, he supposedly befriended a worker of the penal colony near the settlement of Olenivka who goes under alias Kortik whom Lakhno described as a "torturer who tormented many of our men". Lakhno also shared Instagram messages with other individuals that purportedly confirm Bobylev's collaboration with the Russians. The 35th Separate Marine Brigade stated that they are thoroughly investigating the information about the serviceman.

Quote from the brigade: "There is news spreading in the media that one of our servicemen who was released from captivity today collaborated with Russian invaders.

We officially announce that this information is currently being thoroughly verified.  If the facts presented in the media are confirmed, appropriate decisions will be made within the current legislation." Details: The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War informed Ukrainian Pravda that law enforcement officials are working to clarify all the circumstances.

Quote from the headquarters: ""The captured Ukrainian servicemen and citizens who wished to come home have been brought back from enemy captivity. Currently, the released defenders are undergoing rehabilitation, and post-isolation measures are also being implemented. Law enforcement officials are working to clarify all significant legal matters."

Details: Additionally, a DIU representative, Yusov, noted that the intelligence is monitoring this story.

Quote from Yusov: "If there are any facts that require verification and additional attention, including from the perspective of counterintelligence aspects, such work is being conducted."

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