11 Azov Brigade servicemen freed after enduring harsh trials in Russia

Azov Brigade commander Denys Prokopenko reported this.

"Today, 11 servicemen of the 12th Azov Special Purpose Brigade returned home from Russian captivity. They endured incredibly severe trials lasting almost three years: 86 days defending Mariupol, intense battles on the edge of human endurance, captivity, prisons, interrogations, and torture. They did not give up and emerged from this hell as victors," he wrote on Facebook.

He congratulated each soldier on their return, emphasizing that they can now see and embrace their loved ones and celebrate the winter holidays with family, "instead of being watched over by guards." Prokopenko thanked the freed soldiers for their courage and resilience.

The Azov commander also expressed gratitude to the brigade fighters who captured 68 militants in the Toretsk direction and to all the SOU units replenishing the exchange fund on all fronts.

"You are making a colossal contribution to the return of our prisoners of war home, and I thank you for your work. I want to thank the President of Ukraine and his team, representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the SBU, the GUR, the Association of Families of Defenders of Azovstal, and everyone who works daily to bring our captives back to Ukraine," Prokopenko added.

• On December 30, Ukraine managed to return 189 servicemen from Russian captivity, including the defenders of Mariupol and Zmiinyi Island.