Azov fighter Serhii Aleksiievych who survived the attack on Olenivka is now released from Russian captivity

Serhii Aleksiievych, a 30-year-old member of the Azov Regiment and survivor of the Olenivka prison attack, has returned from Russian captivity as part of the prisoner exchange on Oct. 18. Injured more than two years ago, Aleksiievych is now receiving medical care following his release.

His wife, Mariia Aleksiievych, shared the emotional news with Ukrainska Pravda.Zhyttia (Life), recalling how she was notified late at night. "At around 22:20, I got a call from the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, telling me that Serhii had been exchanged," she said. "An hour later, the Security Service of Ukraine also congratulated me." She added that Serhii reached out to her later that night, though their conversation was difficult due to background noise as other released prisoners called their families.

Mariia admitted that, although she had been aware of the planned exchange, the news of her husband’s release felt surreal. "It was a complete surprise. Of course, I had hope, but I still can't believe this isn't a dream," she confessed. She also mentioned that Serhii and the other freed soldiers had been taken to a hospital for medical evaluations.

Despite Serhii’s return, Mariia emphasized that the struggle is not over. She affirmed that the NGO Families of Olenivka will continue its efforts to secure the release of all prisoners still held in Russian captivity.