Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Bohdan Zikraty worked as a lumberjack in Estonia. In May 2022, he left his wife and five-year-old son behind and joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
He struggled for a few months before he was shot in both legs. When he quickened after a day or so, he realized that he had been captured.
"I looked up and they said, 'Do you know where you've ended up? You are with the private army Wagner."
Accused of war crimes
The Wagner Group has become notorious for its brutality and is often accused of committing war crimes.
Bohdan Zikratyj says that he did receive treatment for his gunshot wounds. But the operations took place without either disinfectant or anesthesia.
The operations led to several infections and a destroyed artery, he says. He cannot yet walk.
Pledge from Zelenskyy
On December 30, 2022, Bohdan Zikraty was finally released in a prisoner exchange. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had then publicly promised to bring the prisoners home before the New Year.
"There were such strong feelings that I can't describe them," he says.
Bohdan was held captive by the Wagner Group – hear him tell
The Wagner tattoo
25 sec
National Anthem Torture
35 sec
The butcher clothes of the Wagner soldiers
22 sec
The Putin tattoo
16 sec