Espreso. Global

11 Azov Brigade servicemen freed after enduring harsh trials in Russia

30 December, 2024 Monday
20:10

On December 30, during a prisoner exchange, 11 servicemen with the 12th Azov Special Purpose Brigade returned home from Russian captivity

client/title.list_title

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.
Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Sunday
26 January
16:49
"100-day peace plan" is Russian disinformation — Zelenskyy's aide
16:18
OPINION
Defense Ministry conflict exposes systemic decay and neglect
15:52
Ukrainian Navy shows how APKWS laser-guided rocket downs Russian missile
15:26
Exclusive
Judicial reform is Ukraine's key obstacle to EU integration — MEP Michael Gahler
14:50
Ukraine's Defense Forces, HUR strike Ryazan oil refinery, Russian army fuel supplier
14:22
Russia drops 6 guided bombs on Beryslav hospital, injuring medics
13:51
OPINION
Ukraine has moral right to talk about restarting international institutions
13:17
Exclusive
Ukraine can halt Russian offensive, counterattack on some frontlines — General Malomuzh
12:48
OPINION
Russia needs talks on a "quick peace"
12:23
167 frontline combat clashes, 52 in Pokrovsk direction – General Staff
11:59
Ukraine to amend laws on 18- 25-year-olds in the Armed Forces
11:33
Exclusive
New U.S. aid packages to Ukraine could be trump card in Trump-Putin talks — journalist Portnikov
11:16
Russia rebuilds Mariupol to hide thousands killed, like in Grozny — Zelenskyy
10:54
Russia loses 1,720 soldiers at frontlines in one day of war in Ukraine
10:31
Presidential “elections” start in Belarus
09:00
Interview
Ukraine to trigger economic growth in other countries – MEP Michael Gahler on European integration
2025, Saturday
25 January
19:50
Ukraine is ready to supply Europe with Azerbaijani gas instead of Russian gas
19:25
Exclusive
Major carve-up of world has already begun - Polish politician Czech
19:06
Zelenskyy names potential participants of future peace talks with Russia
18:45
How U.S. energy policies could cripple Russia’s oil exports
18:20
Updated
Zelenskyy and Sandu's deal: coal for electricity
17:55
Trump suspends programs to let in immigrants, including Ukrainians
17:27
Zelenskyy reveals why he banned negotiations with Russia at start of full-scale invasion
17:00
Exclusive
"Today, this is a different Trump," Polish politician says
16:36
Russia loots Ukrainian museums, digests occupied territories
16:10
Zelenskyy: American aid to Ukraine’s army is not stopped
15:45
"Only then can Europe truly negotiate": Polish minister urges EU to spend more on defense
15:17
OPINION
Battle for Trump
14:47
Exclusive
F-16s would be more effective with MiG-29 modernization
14:25
Updated
Attack drones hit Kyiv and Cherkasy regions, injuring child, damaging buildings
14:05
Review
Map of fighting in Russia's Kursk region, January 2025
Massive attacks on Russia become systemic, Kursk is priority for Russians. Serhiy Zgurets’ column
13:30
Exclusive
Political scientist calls Kremlin's response to Trump's ultimatum ‘stalling tactics’
12:50
Exclusive
North Korean troops launch group assaults in Kursk region, reports Ukrainian officer
12:20
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 15-22
Critical situation near Velyka Novosilka as Russian forces tighten the ring
11:45
U.S. State Department suspends foreign aid. This may affect Ukraine
10:45
Ukrainian air defense forces shoot down 2 guided missiles and 46 UAVs
10:20
Russia loses 1,650 soldiers, 37 armored vehicles, 14 artillery systems per day - Ukraine's General Staff
2025, Friday
24 January
21:10
OPINION
Repressions against military: Pandora's Box
20:55
Ukraine's accession to EU: European Council receives first screening report
20:36
Lowering draft age may threaten Ukraine’s survival, lawmaker warns
More news