During the recent prisoner exchange, a fighter from Azov was released. He is in extremely critical condition.

During the recent prisoner exchange, a soldier from the 12th Brigade of the National Guard "Azov" was returned to Ukraine in critical condition.

https://hromadske.ua/ru/voyna/237943-u-mezakh-ostannyoho-obminu-polonenymy-zvilnyly-odnoho-biytsia-azovu-vin-u-vkray-vazkomu-stani2025-01-16 09:22:28

This was reported by brigade commander Denis Prokopenko.

The military reminded that the exchange took place under a separate format for the mutual repatriation of severely ill prisoners. They should be the first to be returned in accordance with the Third Geneva Convention.

“After a grueling 86-day defense of Mariupol and a long time in hellish captivity, the fighter will finally be able to see his loved ones,” emphasized Prokopenko, thanking the freed soldier “for his courage and resilience.”

According to the brigade commander, the returned “Azov” member is in “extremely serious condition.” He is suffering from a severe case of open tuberculosis.

Prokopenko reminded that a number of Ukrainian soldiers, including 849 members of “Azov,” are still in Russian captivity.

More about the exchange

Another prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and Russia. A total of 25 Ukrainian soldiers and one civilian returned home.

Among the freed are defenders of Mariupol and “Azovstal,” as well as those from Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. The youngest among them is 24 years old, while the oldest is 60. They suffer from severe injuries and illnesses, including tuberculosis, oncology, and gangrene.