The Ukrainian government-run initiative “I Want to Live” has reported that at least 314 Belarusian citizens have died while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
The platform tracks information on foreign fighters and related casualties, and also operates a hotline for Russian soldiers willing to surrender.
According to the report, 1,338 Belarusian nationals have joined Russian forces since 2022, with about one in four reported killed.
The report also noted that the list could be incomplete and that the actual death toll may be higher.
Casualties ranged in age from 18 to 63, with an average of six months between contract signing and death.
Most deceased Belarusians served in the 150th Motorized Rifle Division, with some reportedly recruited from Russian prisons.
Moscow is deploying mercenaries from multiple countries to fight in Ukraine.
According to South Korea’s intelligence agency, up to 2,000 North Korean soldiers sent to support Russia have been killed.
A Platform to Surrender
The “I Want to Live” platform was established by Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters on the Treatment of Prisoners of War, with support from the Ministry of Defense and Defense Intelligence.
The platform provides a structured mechanism for Russian servicemen to surrender and transition into Ukrainian custody before being repatriated.
It includes step-by-step guidance and can be accessed via a Telegram chatbot.
If direct contact is not possible, personnel are instructed to act independently.
The recommended procedure includes discarding all weapons, raising hands with a piece of white cloth, and loudly announcing “ya sdayus,” meaning “I surrender” in Ukrainian.
Recognized by Ukrainian forces, individuals then approach under instruction and follow all orders to ensure a secure and orderly surrender.
