Mykola Bruev, a defender of Mariupol and a member of the Azov battalion, died in Russian captivity as a result of torture
Mykola Bruev, a fighter with the legendary Azov Brigade and a defender of Mariupol, known by his call sign “Brusha,” tragically died while in Russian captivity.
The soldier’s death was the result of inhumane torture and abuse by Russian occupiers.
Until 2022, Mykola Bruev was a professional athlete and coach. He joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2019, where he served as an infantryman.
By the time the full-scale invasion began, he had already completed his service, but from the very first days of the war, he voluntarily returned to the ranks of Ukraine’s defenders.
Together with his unit, he held the defense at the steel plant, after which, on orders from command, he was taken prisoner by the Russians.
Mykola’s comrade-in-arms, known by the call sign “Combat,” was the first to inform the community that the horrific news of the defender’s death had been fully confirmed.
The military emphasizes the Russian side’s responsibility for violating all provisions of the Geneva Conventions.
“Unfortunately, his death due to torture has been confirmed. The enemy is to blame for this, as well as those who promised honorable captivity. Thank you for everything. Friend, coach, comrade, and an example of courage,” he wrote.
Following the news of Bruev’s death, the well-known defender of Mariupol, Dmytro Andriushchenko, call sign “Diplomat,” sharply raised the issue of the long-delayed return of Azov soldiers from Russian prisons.
He called on the international community to pay attention to the critical condition of Ukrainian prisoners.
“The information we’ve received confirms that it’s true after all… I’m in shock. A real man, a decent person, a warrior, a brother-in-arms, an athlete… And these scum continue to torment our soldiers. Where is AZOV!? They promised to bring them back! But instead, our soldiers continue to be tortured,” the soldier said.
This was reported by the regional media outlet “Svoi.”
Cameraman Yaroslav Levytskyi was killed in the war
As a reminder, the well-known anarchist artist David Chichkan was killed on the front lines.
Journalist and soldier Oleksandr Golyachenko also died in the war.
