During the exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and Russia on 18 October, 34 more Azov servicemen returned from Russian captivity.
This was announced by the commander of the Azov Brigade Denys Prokopenko.
"These soldiers defended Mariupol for 86 days, left Azovstal's territory under orders and spent two and a half years in Russian captivity. Thanks to the soldiers of the Mariupol garrison, Ukraine withstood the first attack in the spring of 2022," Prokopenko wrote.
The commander thanked the soldiers for their resilience and loyalty to the Motherland.
"The brigade's personnel were looking forward to seeing each of you and did everything possible to replenish the exchange fund with Russian prisoners," he added.
According to Prokopenko, the exchanges involving Azov fighters are gradually becoming systematic, and this is the result of joint efforts and perseverance of all those involved at all levels.
"About 900 Azov fighters remain in Russian prisons. Our common task is to bring everyone back," he added.
Denys Prokopenko thanked the President of Ukraine, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Association of Families of Azovstal Defenders for their work on bringing the captured Azov men home.