"Victim of propaganda": Ukrainian paratroopers captured an Italian who fought for the Russians (photos included).

The paratroopers of the 78th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured an Italian who fought alongside the Russian occupiers. This was reported by the press service of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"While carrying out a combat mission, our soldiers discovered a group of the enemy. Part was eliminated, while others were taken prisoner. Among them was an unusual captive — Gianni Ceni, a native of Naples, a citizen of the Italian Republic, who voluntarily joined the Russian army," the statement said.

Ukrainian defenders noted that Ceni had previously worked in a restaurant in the city of Samara in the Russian Federation, but in November 2024, he enlisted in the Russian army.

"He is 51 years old and left behind a wife and two children. Clearly, he became yet another victim of Russian propaganda. However, the Russians lacked both the training and the numerical superiority against the Ukrainian paratroopers," the Air Assault Forces remarked.

It was also emphasized that the enemy was neutralized and the Italian was taken alive.

"This event serves as another confirmation of the indomitable spirit of Ukrainian defenders, who risk their lives daily to protect their homeland. Their professionalism and fighting spirit make the enemy tremble, regardless of where they come from," the Air Assault Forces stated.

Recall that on January 6, the Donetsk regional prosecutor's office reported that the Russians executed two captive soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at close range.

On January 4, two servicemen from the 79th Separate Air Assault Tavria Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured 14 Russian occupiers.