Over 900 defenders of Mariupol continue to remain in Russian captivity. This was reported on Facebook by the commander of the 12th Special Purpose Brigade "Azov" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant Colonel Denis Prokopenko "Redis".

In particular, he congratulated the exchange of 207 Ukrainian servicemen that took place on January 31.

"I am happy for everyone who gained freedom and wish them a speedy recovery. I sincerely congratulate the release from enemy captivity of two fighters from the 12th Brigade "Azov" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who, after the expansion of the 'Azov' unit from a regiment to a brigade, became part of our military family. However, my joy for their return is overshadowed by the fact that the relatives of the fighters who defended Mariupol as part of the 'Azov' regiment will not see the names of their loved ones in the lists again. Despite more than a year and a half since the order to cease the defense of Mariupol," Prokopenko noted.

According to him, "over 900 Azov fighters, who courageously defended Mariupol and for 86 days prevented the enemy from timely deploying forces and means to advance towards Zaporizhzhia, continue to remain in Russian captivity."

Prokopenko added that currently, the Azov fighters are engaged in heavy fighting with the occupiers in the forests of Kreminna, destroying and capturing Russian military personnel and continuing to believe that the relevant structures are making sufficient efforts to liberate Ukrainian heroes.