Last female Marine in Russian captivity, Azovstal defender Halyna Fedyshyn, returns home
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The final Ukrainian female Marine to be held in Russian captivity – Halyna Fedyshyn – has been freed in the latest prisoner exchange, according to the Commander of the 36th Marine Brigade, Major Serhiy Volynskyi, on Facebook on Jan 3.
Read also: From Azovstal siege to Taganrog hell: Valeria Subotina’s journey through captivity
Halyna defended the city of Mariupol from the Russian attack and fought out of the Illych and Azovstal metallurgy plants.
Fedyshyn spent almost two years in captivity, noted Volynskyi.
"Not just soldiers returned to their native land, but real Heroes who endured incredible trials and remained loyal to their country and ideals...They deserve rest, respect, and deep gratitude from each of us," commented Volynskyi.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that a combat medic from the 36th OBrMP, while in captivity, continued to speak Ukrainian and that her Russian captors simulated releasing her for exchange several times, but each time returned her to confinement.
Read also: Russia plans to fight in Ukraine until 2026, seeks to capture major cities — German intelligence
Military medic Galina Fedyshyn was captured on April 12, 2022, along with other soldiers of the 36th who were defending Azovstal.
Read also: Russian GRU General promised Azov Battalion security guarantees before Azovstal surrender
The exchange of prisoners on January 3, 2023, is the largest since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Ukraine returned home 230 citizens, including 224 soldiers and six civilians.
Read also: President Zelenskyy: Prisoner exchanges are made possible by capturing occupiers
It took place after a very long pause in exchanges. The previous one occurred on August 22, 2023 - when 22 soldiers returned home.
In mid-November 2023, the Commission on Deprivation of Personal Freedom recorded the imprisoned status of 4,337 people, including 3,574 military personnel and 763 civilians.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
