900 Azov Soldiers Remain Captive in Russian Prisons After Two and a Half Years

Approximately 900 Ukrainian soldiers from the “Azov” brigade remain in Russian prisons after two and a half years in captivity. This information was shared by Yulia Fedosyuka, head of international communications for the Azov special operations brigade, and Sergeant Valentin Dzjubenko.

How many Azov soldiers are still in Russian captivity after the surrender in Mariupol?

Yulia Fedosyuka states that around 900 Azov soldiers remain in Russian custody. There were two prisoner exchanges in the past few months involving Azov members, but prior to that, there was a year-long pause. It is suspected that recent changes in prisoner swap policies were influenced by the capture of Russian soldiers. Because only significant Russian military personnel are swapped, Ukraine struggles to secure the return of its Azov soldiers.

What condition do these prisoners return in? Is it merely isolated cases of torture?

According to Fedosyuka, all Ukrainian military personnel in Russian captivity face torture. Reports of horrific treatment are true—captives often suffer severe health damage or even death. The Azov brigade has been particularly targeted since 2014, becoming a focus of Russian propaganda. The goal has been to diminish Azov’s effectiveness, which affected their ability to fight effectively in Mariupol. Without Western weapons, the defense of the city turned out differently than if they had access to modern arms.

Fedosyuka believes that Russian propaganda has affected the treatment of captives. The officials dealing with the Azov soldiers are influenced by years of propaganda, which has resulted in their brutal treatment. Many prisoners return severely injured, with broken bones and bruising, demonstrating the violence they endured.

She shares her husband’s experience of being exchanged shortly before New Year’s. He returned limping, with a leg covered in bruises from torture. He had visible signs of electric shock treatment and was in poor health. Captives receive insufficient food, affecting their overall health and recovery.

What else should we know about the treatment of Azov soldiers?

Valentin Dzjubenko recalls a significant event in July 2022 when Russian forces killed 53 Azov soldiers by bombing a barrack in Olenivka, Donetsk region. This act was a planned terrorist attack aimed at the Azov brigade.

The treatment of the Azov soldiers reflects deeper issues in the ongoing conflict and the need for ongoing efforts to secure their release and ensure humane treatment.