The Russian ministry said the captives had been released in Belarus, Moscow’s close ally in the 34-month-old war with Ukraine, and would be transferred to Russia. Reuters Television footage in Ukraine showed waiting spouses and some servicemen, many wrapped in blue and yellow national flags, weeping openly as they were reunited well after dark outside a building.
“My son is 5 years old now, the last time I saw him he was 2 years old,” said Serhii, who was captured by Russian forces at the Azovstal steel mill in the southern port city of Mariupol, which withstood a siege for nearly three months in 2022. “That’s why my son probably didn’t recognise me. I used to have a beard and hair. I lost 20 kg (44 pounds).”
For some former captives the return to freedom involved adjustment.
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin December 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin December 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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