Survived torture and lost 24 kg: freed Snake Island defender shared future plans.

Freed prisoner Vadim Nesterenko plans to return to the army

33-year-old Vadim Nesterenko from Odesa region lost 24 kg of weight and endured torture after two years in captivity. Now, after rehabilitation, he plans to return to military service. This was reported by the National Rehabilitation Center Unbroken.

Vadim had been a serviceman since 2011 and participated in the defense of Ukraine's borders. He joined the 35th Separate Marine Brigade, which was prepared to defend Snake Island. There, the enemies conducted an invasion, which led to his capture.

"On February 24, we were raised on alert at 3:30 because a bomber was heading towards us. Then closer to noon, ships began to approach. After evacuating civilians, the ships raised the red flag and started shelling. Then aviation, mortars, and turrets began to work. The explosions and whistling did not stop for four hours. They destroyed all anti-aircraft installations. We were left only with rifles," Vadim recalls.

Ukrainian border guards and marines were offered to surrender, but they remained loyal to their country. Unfortunately, it soon became known that the enemies had killed all the defenders of the island, and Vadim was captured.

During two years and three months of captivity, Vadim was subjected to torture. He was beaten, doused with water, and gassed. As a result, his weight decreased from 83 kg to 59 kg.

"Their favorite pastime is not to give food. We were given 5 minutes to eat. It was unreal to get full," Vadim says.

After the exchange of prisoners, Vadim was sent to the National Rehabilitation Center Unbroken for further recovery. He was found to have various ailments, but after a three-month stay in the center, he returned to normal condition and gained weight.

Now Vadim plans to return to military service and dreams of visiting Paris.

Recall that on May 31, 2024, Ukraine freed 75 people from captivity, among them were 19 defenders of Snake Island, including Vadim Nesterenko.