KYIV:
Before and after pictures of a 42-year-old Ukrainian soldier, who survived Russian captivity, have shown the grave atrocities that were carried out on him.
Mykhailo Dianov, who served in the 36th Separate Marine Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was held captive by the Russians for four months before he was released in a major prisoner swap in late September.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine released pictures on their official Twitter page showing Dianov’s condition before and after he was captured with a caption that read, “Ukrainian soldier Mykhailo Dianov is among the fortunate ones: in contrast with some of his fellow POWs, he survived russian captivity. This is how russia “adheres” to the Geneva Conventions. This is how russia continues the shameful legacy of Nazism.”
Ukrainian soldier Mykhailo Dianov is among the fortunate ones: in contrast with some of his fellow POWs, he survived russian captivity. This is how russia “adheres” to the Geneva Conventions. This is how russia continues the shameful legacy of Nazism. pic.twitter.com/cJpx7ZWQYo
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 23, 2022
Dianov, who was one of the 215 soldiers to be released in a prisoner exchange, had been wounded in the arm while defending Mariupol. During captivity, he did not receive proper medical treatment for his arm, which is said to be missing around 4cm of bone and remains unhealed.
After his release, Dianov still managed a smile despite looking very skinny with scars and bruises across his arms and face.
As per media reports, those who were released along with Dianov included his commander Denis Prokopenko, his deputy Svyatoslav Palamar, and Marine commander Serhiy Volynsky and Kateryna “Birdie” Polishchuk. The British fighters who were released after being held captive were Shaun Pinner, Aiden Aslin, and John Harding.
The men, who had been part of the 2,000-strong Azov battalion, had been captured while defending Mariupol.