Ukrainian paratroopers from the 78th Separate Regiment have captured Gianni Cenni, an Italian national who volunteered to fight alongside Russian forces in the Kupyansk region.
In early January 2025, Ukrainian soldiers successfully captured Cenni, a 51-year-old Italian from Naples, who had joined the Russian army in November 2024. Prior to his involvement in the conflict, Cenni had worked at a restaurant in Samara, Russia. The capture occurred during a combat mission in which the Ukrainian paratroopers encountered an enemy group. While some of the enemy forces were neutralized, Cenni was taken into custody alive.
According to the Ukrainian military’s report shared on the 78th Separate Regiment’s Facebook page, the operation was carried out efficiently. “Our soldiers acted in a coordinated and decisive manner, neutralized the enemy, and captured the Italian alive,” the post said. Ukrainian forces have noted that the captured man left behind a wife and two children.
Cenni’s decision to fight for Russia has raised questions, and Ukrainian soldiers suspect that he may have been a victim of Russian propaganda. This captures a broader trend where individuals from other countries, influenced by Russian messaging, have joined the fight on Russia’s side despite the ongoing war’s global implications.
In a related operation, two Ukrainian soldiers, using drones for cover, captured a Russian dugout with 14 occupants. They successfully held the position for five days, fending off enemy attacks.
Be First to Comment