After leaving Azovstal, many Ukrainian defenders were captured by the invaders, where they have been and have been for months. Returning from captivity, military Alexander told how he could not break down in this hell.

Defending “Azovstal”, the defender of Ukraine was wounded in the leg. Subsequently, he was captured, where he spent a long 6 months.

What helped keep the spirit

And during this time, he and many of his comrades had to make efforts to survive and not break down in Russian captivity. Helped in this, in particular, talk about peaceful life. They mentioned families, travel and food.

They told each other recipes, presenting meat, fruits and fragrant bread. I believed that I would return home and I did,” the border guard said.

After returning to Ukraine, Alexander did not leave military service. Today, a soldier shares his experience with other soldiers and teaches them tactical medicine.

Alexander is teaching his brothers today / Photo by GNSU

The return of the defenders of Azovstal home in 2023

• On New Year's Eve, December 31, 2022, Ukrainians received excellent news about a large-scale prisoner exchange. Then 140 defenders of our state returned home. Among them were the defenders of Azovstal and even the legendary dog Adik.
• A few days later, on January 8, for the first time in 2023, Ukraine returned from captivity. fifty more defenders. Then it was possible to free officers, privates and sergeants from captivity.
• The next exchange took place a month later, on February 16. Ukraine managed to return 100 military and 1 civilian from Russian captivity, among which were the defenders of Mariupol, including 63 soldiers from Azovstal.
• The last large-scale exchange took place on March 7, when 130 Ukrainians returned home. Among them were the heroes of Azovstal, Bakhmut and Soledar, most of whom were seriously injured.