About 2,000 Azovstal defenders are still in captivity - co-founder of Association of Soldiers' Families

Halyna Klempouz, co-founder of the Association of Families of Azovstal Defenders, stated this on Espreso TV.

"During the last exchange, 8 defenders of Mariupol returned from captivity, some of them are the defenders of Azovstal. We cannot publish the exact number, because it may affect the situation. About 2,000 defenders of Azovstal - both women and men - are still in Russian captivity," she said.  

Klempouz answered the question of the timing of all necessary processes after the captivity.

 "These are quite individual processes. It is impossible to determine a certain time for certain procedures, it all depends on the state of health. If we generalize, then it is a month or a half that it is preferable not to disturb them. And that they should be under the supervision of doctors with the care of relatives nearby.  

These are individual moments, because many people were injured in Mariupol, many defenders suffered worsening of their health during captivity. It is unrealistic to name specific terms," ​​she concluded.

• On January 8, Ukraine returned 50 soldiers from Russian captivity - these are 33 officers and 17 privates and sergeants.  Among them are soldiers from Mariupol and Chornobyl NPP.