Azovstal fighters freed after prisoner swap with Russia

55 Russian soldiers were released on Thursday, September 22. In exchange, Moscow released 215 Ukrainian soldiers, including several fighters who had defended the Azovstal factory in the city of Mariupol. These latter​, who are now considered heroes, remained entrenched in the sawmill for two months, despite untimely attacks by Russian forces. Besieged, they had been forced to surrender around May 20. In total, 188 soldiers who defended the factory were released.

In photos, we can see the frank smile of the now free fighters. Among them, a young military nurse, who had moved social networks by posting videos shot in the surrounded factory on which we heard her singing. As the war progressed, the soldiers of Azovstal became symbols of Ukrainian resistance against the Russian invasion. 5 military commanders, including those from Azovstal, have been transferred to Turkey, where they will remain until the end of the war, under an agreement with the country.