Ukrainian paramedic tells of Russian captivity horrors

The recently released Ukrainian paramedic Yulia "Taira" Paievska spoke about the time of her captivity and assured everyone that she would return to her regular work soon.

She wrote about it on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

"I won’t be taking a selfie yet. Sorry. My weight is now about 50 kg. I’m too exhausted and look awful. But I’m being treated by the best doctors and I’ll be back soon," said Taira.

The paramedic praised the successful exchange effort, which he considers "undoubtedly a miracle of the Lord." "What hurts me the most is the fate of the boys and girls sitting behind bars under enemy control – thinking there is no hope, and that Ukraine no longer exists as a country," she added.

Taira stressed the need to ensure that all prisoners are protected by the International Convention on Human Rights. "Because when we are there – we are completely powerless as slaves," said the paramedic.

She noted that the Russians do not give prisoners any parcels sent to them, as well as any information about the family, while medical care is not available to them.

According to Taira, the conditions resemble those of a concentration camp, and she would "not be very surprised to find herself in a gas chamber one day."

"And this is only a small share of what is happening in the stone bags along the line of contact. This topic is painful and urgent. All prisoners must be released. A control system and an exchange algorithm must be developed," she said.

As Ukrinform reported, on June 17, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Taira’s release from Russian captivity.