Mykolaiv marine released from captivity tells about 1198 days of captivity

Serhii Kuznetsov, screenshot «Yedyni Novyny»

Serhii Kuznetsov, a marine from Mykolaiv region, who was released from Russian captivity, spoke about the 1198 days he spent in captivity. According to him, the Russian military systematically beat Ukrainian prisoners and used torture.

According to Serhii Kuznetsov, he was taken prisoner by Russia in April 2022 after the defence of Mariupol, he told the telethon «Yedyni Novyny». At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he and his comrades held the defence of the city, which later found itself completely surrounded — without electricity, water and food.

«The city was completely isolated, there was no food or water supply, and ammunition was running out. The enemy had a significant advantage in manpower. To get to our positions meant driving about 120 kilometres through the territory already occupied by the enemy — it was almost impossible,» says Serhii Kuznetsov.

It is noted that the 34-year-old soldier is from the Mykolaiv region. In 2016, he signed a contract and joined the 36th Separate Marine Brigade. He served in a battalion of marines, then in a reconnaissance company, was a sniper and scout, and later headed a reconnaissance unit. In captivity, Serhii lost over 20 kilograms.

Serhii's brother, who was captured together with him, is still in Russian captivity. The soldier is currently participating in campaigns in support of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Recently, in Mykolaiv, more than two hundred people joined the weekly campaign «Don't be silent — captivity kills» to remind the public about Ukrainian soldiers who are in captivity or missing.