Russian Group Linked to FSB Uses Ukrainian POWs to Target Their Families, Investigation Finds

A Ukrainian investigation reported that a Russian group operating as “Shield of Mothers” is using Ukrainian POWs to collect information about their families and to exert pressure on relatives to carry out activities the report says are illegal.

The July 12 investigation by Telebachennia Toronto (published by United24 Media on July 13) alleges the organization is linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). It reports that “Shield of Mothers” presents itself as a volunteer initiative helping families identify or locate POWs, but asks relatives for detailed personal information, including the prisoner’s full name, year of birth, date of last contact, military unit, area of deployment, and a photograph.

After collecting data about families seeking help, the report says the group then gathers information directly from relatives—such as their relationship to the prisoner, where they live, and whether they have sought assistance from other organizations.

The investigation also claims that the group gathers personal information from Ukrainian prisoners of war as well, enabling contacts with relatives by phone or messaging apps. According to testimony cited in the report, the group may initially share photos and videos of captured service members and, at times, facilitate communication with them.

The report alleges that once it has leverage, representatives demand that family members perform assignments in exchange for continued assistance, including roles like couriers or requests to pass on information that could expose people to criminal prosecution. The investigation says relatives are reminded to comply to maintain the group’s ability to influence access or information about the POWs.

It further notes that Ukrainian human-rights officials had previously warned that Russia was running a coordinated information campaign targeting POW families, using contact through phone and messaging channels to manipulate relatives into actions that could harm Ukraine’s standing internationally.