More than 600 Azov fighters remain in Russian captivity
More than 600 soldiers from the Azov Regiment are currently being held captive in Russia. According to available information, more than 20 of them are in critical condition, and nearly half have been convicted by Russian courts on fabricated charges, including under the “terrorism” article.
Representatives involved in prisoner exchanges note that Azov soldiers are not included in exchanges under general terms. According to them, Russia is taking a separate approach toward Ukrainian soldiers from the “Azov” regiment, which significantly complicates the process of their return home.
How many Azov fighters are in captivity?
According to Nestor Barchuk, head of international relations for prisoners of war at the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov,” more than 600 fighters from the unit are currently being held captive. More than 20 of them are in critical condition.
Colonel Bohdan Grishenkov, commander of the 12th Special Forces Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov” (call sign “Pugach”), stated that of the 600 prisoners mentioned, 270 have already been convicted.
“Of the 600 prisoners of war currently in captivity, 270 have so far been convicted of terrorism under fabricated charges,” he noted.
Why It Is Difficult to Exchange Them
The deputy brigade commander for logistics, Serhiy Yerimoshyn, call sign “Yermalay,” the logistics chief of the 12th Special Forces Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov,” emphasized that the release of Azov fighters is complicated by the Russian Federation’s particular attitude toward them.
“Azov fighters are not exchanged for ordinary prisoners,” he added.
Arsen Dmytryk, Chief of Staff of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine’s “Azov” Brigade, with the call sign “Lemko,” emphasized that the return of their captured comrades remains the top priority.
“Our top priority—and Redis’s top priority—is to get our guys back. It’s a colossal task,” he said.
Representatives of “Azov” made this statement at a press conference.
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