During the prisoner exchange on Monday, December 30, 11 servicemen from the 12th Special Purpose Brigade "Azov" were returned home from Russian captivity.
This was reported on Facebook by the commander of the "Azov" brigade, Denis Prokopenko ("Redis").
"They have endured incredibly challenging trials lasting almost 3 years. 86 days of defending Mariupol, intense battles at the limits of human endurance, captivity, prisons, interrogations, and torture. They did not surrender and emerged from this hell as victors," wrote "Redis".
He congratulated each soldier on their return, allowing them to see and embrace their loved ones today, and to celebrate the winter holidays surrounded by family, "instead of under the watchful eye of guards." The brigade commander expressed gratitude to the freed fighters for their courage and spirit.
"Special thanks to the fighters of our brigade who captured 68 militants in the Toretsky direction and to all the units of the SOU that contribute to the exchange fund across all fronts. You are making a tremendous contribution to the effort of bringing our prisoners of war home, and I am grateful for your work," added "Redis".