Only one representative of the «Azov» regiment was among the Ukrainian servicemen who returned to Ukraine
on May 31 as part of a prisoner exchange. This was reported by the commander of the «Azov» Special Purpose Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Denis «Redis» Prokopenko.
«One of over 900 people. They endured the first, most difficult blow and carried the defense of Mariupol on their shoulders, binding thousands of occupiers for 86 long days. They gave Ukraine precious time and fulfilled the order. My pain as a commander does not compare to the pain of the families who have been waiting for their loved ones for the third year,»
he wrote on Facebook.
Prokopenko emphasized that over 700 days the captured Azov fighters have been in inhumane conditions of enemy captivity.
«Their names are still not among those who were lucky enough to receive the desired freedom. Although they deserve it more than anyone else,» he added.
