Ukrainian soldiers captured at Azovstal, 42 men and three women, returned from Russian captivity

Photo: Telegram/ Andriy Yermak

Alvina Kaminska

Another 45 Ukrainians were returned to Ukraine from enemy captivity: they are defenders of "Azovstal," among them three women.

The head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, reported that on Telegram.

"These are 42 male defenders and three female defenders of "Azovstal."

All of them are National Guardsmen from the unit created nine years ago on the shores of Azov. Thirty-five privates and sergeants, ten officers.

Among them are soldiers who got married during the defense of Mariupol, on "Azovstal,"the message reads.

^{Photo: Telegram / Andriy Yermak}

There is also a Ukrainian soldier who, before the large-scale aggression, was held captive by the Russians for 2.5 years, where he was captured during the Shyrokyne operation.

^{Photo: Telegram / Andriy Yermak}

Later, he was released from captivity and immediately returned to the unit. He was captured again at "Azovstal" and is returning home today."

^{Photo: Telegram / Andriy Yermak}

Meanwhile, Russia said that "due to difficult negotiations," they returned three pilots.

For reference:

It should be noted that the representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Andriy Yusov, pointed out that the exchange of prisoners with the Russian Federation in the "all for all" format is not just a dream; it is a certain task that will be fulfilled.

As Rubryka wrote, during the last exchange, on April 26, Ukraine conducted another exchange of prisoners with the Russian Federation: 42 defenders and two civilians returned home.

Earlier, Rubryka reported that Ukraine held another exchange of prisoners on Easter. One hundred thirty defenders were freed from Russian captivity.