Russian soldiers are shocked by the 'horrible reality' in Ukraine and often regret going, says YouTuber who spoke to more than 200 after they were captured

• Volodymyr Zolkin interviews hundreds of Russian prisoners of war on his YouTube channel.
• He told Insider that there are common themes among captives: ignorance and regret.
• Zolkin said some captives want the publicity to assure their families they are alive.

Russia likes to portray its soldiers fighting in Ukraine as "strong and brave warriors," Ukrainian Youtuber Volodymyr Zolkin told Insider. 

"But we are disclosing the truth," said Zolkin, describing his YouTube channel where he interviews prisoners of war captured by the Ukrainian army.