Inside Ukraine’s POW Camps: The Emotional Toll on Guards and Interrogators Working with Russian Prisoners

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, much of the public focus has been on the treatment of Russian prisoners of war. But a quieter, often overlooked story is unfolding behind the wire: the psychological and emotional burden carried by the Ukrainian soldiers, guards, and interrogators who work with captured enemy combatants every day. These Ukrainians must suppress their own grief, anger, and trauma to perform their duties under the Geneva Conventions, even as they may have lost friends, family, or homes to the very men in their custody. The work demands a disciplined compartmentalization—treating prisoners humanely while wrestling with deep personal feelings about the enemy. Experts note that such emotional labor can lead to moral injury, burnout, and long-term mental health challenges for those involved. Yet, despite the strain, many Ukrainian personnel see their professionalism as a point of national pride and a stark contrast to reported Russian abuses. Their ability to uphold international law, even in the face of profound loss, has become a quiet testament to Ukraine’s values. As the conflict continues, the unseen cost of this work will only grow—raising urgent questions about support systems for those on the front lines of captivity.