In 2026, only 12 Azov soldiers were returned from Russian captivity

More than 600 Azov soldiers remain in Russian captivity. At the same time, only 12 defenders have been able to return home throughout 2026.

The “Olenivka Community” has calculated that, at the current pace of prisoner exchanges, it could take about 50 years to bring all Azov soldiers back from Russian captivity.

According to the community, 12 Azov soldiers were returned from Russian captivity through prisoner exchanges in 2026.

At the same time, at least three Azov fighters have died in Russian captivity this year. 

“These are grim and painful statistics, but behind all the numbers are more than 600 people waiting at home,” the “Olenivka Community” emphasized. 

The families of the captives urged people not to stop raising awareness about the Ukrainian soldiers who remain in Russian captivity and to continue waiting for their return. 

This is stated in an appeal from the “Olenivka Community.” 

Azov has begun preparations to liberate Mariupol.

Ukrainian defenders killed Russian serviceman Vladislav Makayev, a former Moscow arm-wrestling champion. The occupier was killed on May 24, 2026.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Armed Forces eliminated a lawmaker from United Russia who had gone to fight against Ukraine.