Large numbers of Ukrainian troops have surrendered to the Russian military in recent weeks, using a special radio frequency designed for fighters willing to lay down arms, TASS reported on Wednesday.
The frequency, 149.200 call sign ‘Volga’, was set up by the Russian military during the summer. Thus far, it has been used by more than 10,000 Ukrainian servicemen who were subsequently taken into Russian custody, according to a source with knowledge of the situation cited by TASS. The person added that the radio frequency is active along the entire front line.
Most combat groups on both sides are using re-purposed VHF and UHF radios with about 5W max power. Most of them are digital radios, with encrypted signals.
They have a pretty short range, often less than 10 miles, and they are of course routinely subject to electronic warfare jamming, etc.
So how realistic is the scheme described by the Russian government? Not very.
The claim that 10,000 soldiers have surrendered is highly unlikely, and seems like typical Russian wishful fantasy thinking.
NO, No, No! It is all Propaganda! No Ukrainian hero soldier would ever surrender to evil Ruzzians! No, it is Ruzzians who are running away and surrendering to Ukraine! They beg for food and gloves. They are freezing to death armed only with shovels. Each soldier must answer for his many war crimes against women and children! Do not believe me? Just watch all the Youtube videos! Ruzzia is losing big—Now close to a Million Ruzzians are dead in Ukraine. The war will be over when three things happen; 1. Abrams Tanks and F-16s come. 2. Putin is killed. 3. The bridge from Ukraine Criema to evil Ruzzia is blown up for good.