Families of Azovstal defenders call for return of more than 1,900 soldiers from captivity, including more than 700 Azov regiment soldiers

This was reported by the Association of Families of Azovstal Defenders.

On the day of the anniversary of the defenders of Mariupol leaving Azovstal, their families called for the return of more than 1,900 soldiers, including more than 700 Azov regiments soldiers.

"The heroism of the Mariupol garrison helped other major cities of our country to survive. For many, it cost them the most. They sacrificed their lives so that we could survive. And we have no right to forget about their heroic deed," the statement reads.

Thanks to the courage and professionalism of the soldiers, the Russian occupying forces pulled a significant part of their troops to Mariupol, which allowed the Ukrainian troops to regroup and wait for weapons from their partners. 

"More than 1,900 military defenders of Azovstal have been held in Russian captivity for a year now, including more than 700 soldiers of the Azov Regiment. And now it is our duty to do everything we can to ensure that every prisoner of war returns home. Not only their loved ones, but the whole country is waiting for them. And the entire democratic world," the Association added.