Three Years in captivity: Heroic liberation of Ukrainian defenders from occupied Luhansk
After three years of relentless conflict and occupation in parts of Luhansk region, Ukrainian soldiers finally had the chance to return home.
The special unit of the Ukrainian Naval Forces, known as ‘Angels,’ executed a unique and daring operation to free two Ukrainian defenders held in captivity on the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk.
These included a 29-year-old veteran of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and a 34-year-old National Guard serviceman, who had been missing for over three years.
The operation was carried out in close cooperation with Military Ombudswoman Olga Reshetylova, to whom the mother of one of the servicemen addressed her concerns.
According to her, her son had endured numerous tortures and was hiding from persecution and brutal treatment on the occupied territory.
During the search, Ukrainian authorities also identified another soldier — a National Guard member held in slavery by local collaborators.
As Artem Dyblenko, an officer of the ‘Angels’ special reconnaissance unit, revealed, the operation was complex and high-risk, with each soldier evacuated via separate routes to avoid enemy traps.
Both men trusted the Ukrainian forces despite not knowing all the details of the operation, strictly following their instructions.
This mission highlights the courage and professionalism of Ukrainian special forces, who risk their lives to liberate fellow soldiers from captivity and bring them home.
The return from captivity marks a new chapter, involving psychological rehabilitation and adaptation to civilian life after traumatic experiences.
Society must understand the challenges faced by these heroes and support their reintegration, ensuring their mental health and well-being in the process of recovery.