The “Symbolic Prisoners” of the Azov Brigade: Families and Activists Urge the Public to Focus on the Return of Over 700 Captured Brigade Members

As of today, it is the Azov Brigade members and soldiers of the entire 3057th Military Unit who face the most difficult situation regarding their return from Russian captivity. Despite the fact that the fighters had guarantees regarding their captivity, the captured Azov fighters first became victims of a terrorist attack in Olenivka, and then prisoners who are not being released in an exchange. 

Natalia Yepifanova, head of the NGO “Voyatsky Vyzvil,” spoke about this at the Ukraine Media Center. 

“The term ‘symbolic prisoners’ very accurately describes their status today. Of particular significance is the fact that Azov and the entire 3057th Brigade ended up in captivity following an order from the state’s top leadership; they did not abandon their positions of their own accord and lost the strength to fight. More than 700 fighters from the 12th Azov Brigade have been in captivity since 2022,” she said. 

At the same time, activists say they are drawing attention to this unit not because the lives of some defenders are more valuable than others. We must fight for everyone. 

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news