Nine Mykolaiv marines returned from captivity

Nine marines from two Mykolaiv units have returned from Russian captivity. Among them are soldiers who were captured while defending Mariupol.

This was reported by the press service of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynskyi.

A prisoner exchange operation was successfully completed, which resulted in the release of nine marines from Russian captivity. Among them are seven soldiers of the 36th Brigade and two soldiers of the 501st Battalion, who were captured during the heroic defense of Mariupol.

The soldiers welcomed their comrades to their native land of independent Ukraine.

We rejoice with their families and friends. We are proud of their courageous feat!" the statement reads.

Now the liberated soldiers will undergo treatment and rehabilitation. The military also expressed their deep gratitude to all those who made great efforts to bring the defenders back from Russian captivity.

On New Year's Eve, 189 Ukrainians returned from captivity. In total, 3,956 people have already returned from Russian captivity as part of the work of the Coordination Center, including 1,358 prisoners released in 2024. This is the eleventh exchange in 2024.

Recently, residents of Mykolaiv organized a march in support of prisoners of war and missing persons. The procession took place along the city's main street and included a performance. The event was attended by relatives and friends of the military, who once again reminded of the captured soldiers by coming out with posters and flags. More than 300 citizens joined the event.

As part of the Documentary Film Lab, the Tochka Skhoda media team created a film about a captured and tortured Mykolaiv infantryman. The film tells the story of Vitalii Klochenko, a soldier of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynskyi, who was captured by Russia in April 2022.

Анна Бальчінос