Zhenia’s unit of volunteers were outnumbered by five to one when the order came through to lay down their weapons and surrender to the invaders.
It was the beginning of a seven-month ordeal in Russian captivity, including physical and psychological torture.
Prisoners of war like Zhenia were supposed to be exempt from returning to battle under planned legislation, but just five months after his release, the 41-year-old is about to rejoin his brothers-in-arms in one of the hottest areas of the conflict.
Canadian military instructors say goodbye to Ukrainian Defenders returning home from training.
Thankful to @CanadianForces for giving our Heroes the skills and means to make Ukraine free again!
📹: _le.mark_ pic.twitter.com/NFEeaRcM7i
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 27, 2023
