Pivnenko: 755 National Guardsmen are still in Russian captivity
According to the commander of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU), Oleksandr Pivnenko, 755 National Guardsmen are still in Russian captivity.
He said this in an interview with Ukrinform when asked how many National Guardsmen, in his estimation, are still in captivity, apart from those who have already been rescued.
"755. Many were captured in Mariupol. That is why there is still a large share of Azov fighters and fighters of our other units whom we are trying to return," he informed.
According to the NGU commander, the National Guard is able to return the soldiers almost during every exchange.
"We are in constant contact with both the relevant agencies and the families. I always emphasise that our task is to return everyone home," Pivnenko said.
The NGU commander noted that he meets with some of the exchanged National Guardsmen every time: "They come to medical and rehabilitation centres, we give them 2-3 days to adapt, sort things out, restore all their documents, etc. First and foremost, we try to provide full treatment and rehabilitation."
Pivnenko informed that social support units and officers are working to resolve all other social protection issues, provide information on the possibility of further service, training or dismissal.
"Someone goes to the front after being captured and says: I want to join my guys, I will fight," said the NGU commander.
As reported, on 19 July, the commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, Oleksandr Pivnenko, visited the NGU soldiers who had recently been returned from Russian captivity.
The 21 guardsmen who were recently released are currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.