Azov fighter Serhii Aleksiievych, survivor of Olenivka terror attack, released from Russian captivity – photo

30-year-old serviceman Serhii Aleksiievych, a member of the Azov regiment, has come back from Russian captivity after surviving the terrorist attack in Olenivka. The fighter, who was injured more than two years ago, came home as part of a prisoner exchange on 18 October.

Source: Aleksiievych’s wife Mariia in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda.Zhyttia

Quote: "Last night at around 22:20, I received a call from the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. They informed me that Serhii had been exchanged. About an hour later, the Security Service of Ukraine congratulated me on Serhii's release. 

Serhii called me at night. We couldn't hear each other very well because it was a bit noisy around; other guys were talking to their families. As far as I know, they were taken to hospital in the morning. They are currently undergoing examinations, and I plan to go to Serhii," Maria Aleksiievych said.

Mariia shared that she was aware of the planned exchange, but when she heard the news of her beloved's release, she couldn't believe it until the very end. 

Quote: "It was a complete surprise. Of course, there was hope that Serhii would come back. But I still can't believe that I'm not dreaming and that this has really happened," Mariia said. 

She added that the NGO Families of Olenivka will continue its work and fight for every prisoner.

Background:

• Serhii Aleksiievych defended Mariupol from 24 February to 16 May 2022. On the night of 28-29 July 2022, he was injured as a result of a Russian terrorist attack in the prison camp in Olenivka. 
• In Ukraine, his wife, Mariia Aleksiievych, and her family were waiting for him. Maria co-founded the NGO Families of Olenivka, which reminded the public about those killed and injured in the attack, and she initiated a petition to establish a Day of Mourning to honour the defenders who were executed in Olenivka. 
• In the summer of 2024, Maria was able to speak with Serhii for the first time since the attack: three Azov prisoners were given the opportunity to call their families on Telegram for a few minutes. 
• On 10 July, Serhii’s birthday, Maria appealed to the President of Ukraine, the head of the President's Office, and the chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, asking for the release of her beloved.

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