Azov fighter “Rusty” spent 2.5 years in Russian captivity — Olenivka, Taganrog, Donetsk, Makiivka.
At 26, he survived torture, starvation, a 29-year sham sentence and returned to fight. This is his story, as reported by ArmyInform. 1/
At 26, he survived torture, starvation, a 29-year sham sentence and returned to fight. This is his story, as reported by ArmyInform. 1/
When Mariupol fell, he was in a mobile recon group changing 5-15 positions a day, reacting to tank breakthroughs, spotting artillery, raiding Russian units.
In the final days at Azovstal, Russian aviation carried out 110 bombing sorties a day on one plant. 2/
In the final days at Azovstal, Russian aviation carried out 110 bombing sorties a day on one plant. 2/
After capture, he became the only prisoner on his floor tortured daily. Interrogations lasted 12 hours. Russians beat his 50 kg body until an FSB officer broke his own finger on him.
They forced Rusty to “confess” to killing civilians after seizures. 3/
They forced Rusty to “confess” to killing civilians after seizures. 3/
His “trial” lasted one hearing. His 70-year-old “lawyer” chatted on Viber, then asked the court to note Rusty’s “sincere confessions.”
Expected sentence: 48 years. Final sentence: 29 years. He says the only thing that kept him alive was revenge and return. 4/
Expected sentence: 48 years. Final sentence: 29 years. He says the only thing that kept him alive was revenge and return. 4/
In September 2024 guards suddenly asked prisoners if they wanted an exchange. No one believed it. On 18 October 2024 he boarded the first flight of his life during the swap.
At the Belarus-Ukraine border, Lukashenko’s officers handed him a “gift”: 2 boiled potatoes and a sandwich. 5/
At the Belarus-Ukraine border, Lukashenko’s officers handed him a “gift”: 2 boiled potatoes and a sandwich. 5/
Crossing into Ukraine, SBU officers boarded the bus: “Glory to Ukraine.” “Glory to the Heroes.”
For the first time in 2.5 years, he felt he was home. Then came the question: return to service or rest? He chose service. 6/
For the first time in 2.5 years, he felt he was home. Then came the question: return to service or rest? He chose service. 6/
His rehab was simple: 12-13 training sessions a week — running, CrossFit, swimming. 2 weeks after release he told his commander “I’m ready.” 7/
Back in Azov’s recon detachment on the Toretsk front, he survived five FPV drone hits, evacuated wounded under fire, and led an 8-man team with zero losses.
He now trains new recruits. His unit calls him one of the most hardened fighters they’ve seen. 8X
He now trains new recruits. His unit calls him one of the most hardened fighters they’ve seen. 8X
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