700 Azov Fighters Held for Five Years: Commander Urges Stronger Pressure on Russia.

Return of Soldiers from Russian Captivity

According to Espreso.tv: Denys Prokopenko, commander of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine 'Azov,' announced the return of 33 soldiers from Russian captivity. Only two of them belong to the Azov Special Operations Unit. Prokopenko stressed that 700 Azov members have now been held in Russian captivity for five years. He called for intensified pressure on the Russian Federation, describing the situation as critical.

“Seven hundred Azov fighters have been in Russian captivity for five years now,” stated Denys Prokopenko.

He also emphasized that “every day my brothers spend in Russian prisons threatens their lives.” This situation raises serious concern because, according to the commander, “the enemy will continue to kill those who absorbed the first and hardest blows of this war.”

Length and Complexity of the Return Process

On June 5, 185 military personnel and one civilian returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. This event highlights the lengthy and complex nature of bringing Ukrainian soldiers home from captivity. Prokopenko’s call for intensified efforts to rescue prisoners remains urgent.

The situation for Ukrainian soldiers held in Russian captivity remains tense. The return of only 33 out of 700 prisoners underscores the need for stronger international action to secure their release. As the war drags on and threats to prisoners' lives grow, demands for the global community to pressure Russia become increasingly urgent, as saving these soldiers must be a top priority for Ukraine and its allies.