The Wife of a Captured Italian Named an Absurd Reason for His Joining the Russian Army.

An Italian in Captivity of Ukrainian Paratroopers

Italian Gianni Ceni was discovered in captivity by Ukrainian paratroopers at the beginning of 2025. He joined the military as a volunteer to help Russian soldiers. According to his wife, Ceni did not intend to participate in combat or kill Ukrainians, but only to cook for the troops.

It turned out that the main motive for the Italian was financial need, as their restaurant in Spain closed due to the pandemic, and they were earning by working in Russia. Ceni signed a contract for the position of cook in the military, where he found himself on the front lines, was wounded, and ended up in captivity. Despite the promise of three million rubles, he was paid only 500 thousand.

“I was promised three million rubles, but was paid only 500 thousand. So I didn't earn much,” said the Italian.

Both Ceni and his wife cautiously decided to discuss this situation, as they are concerned about possible discrediting of the Russian army. Overall, the Italian supported the idea of helping his colleagues in a difficult time.

It is reminded that another fighter, known as Herman Prokopiv, who raised the Russian flag over the Luhansk regional state administration in 2014, also ended up in the captivity of Ukrainian military and received a sentence from the court.