Yermak talks with servicemen released from Russian captivity, first dpty mayor of Enerhodar

KYIV. Feb 17 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak spoke via video call with First Deputy Mayor of Enerhodar Ivan Samoydiuk, who was released from Russian captivity on Thursday, as well as with senior sailor of the Ukrainian Navy Vitaliy Ageyev and serviceman of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Vadym Dzhafarov, who defended Azovstal and Mariupol in the spring.

“Every return of Ukrainians from captivity is a holiday for the whole country. The country thanks you for fighting, for not giving up and finally at home. When everyone has their homes, we will definitely win and liberate our land from the invaders,” Yermak said.

In turn, the deputy head of Enerhodar thanked President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Yermak and the team of the Coordination Headquarters for the release.

“For having the opportunity to communicate with you today, to communicate with your family. And we are waiting for the fact that we will be useful to our Ukraine, our people,” he said.

Ageyev noted that, despite the difficult conditions of captivity, he now feels like a free man.

Dzhafarov, for his part, emphasized that many of our defenders are still in Russian captivity and are experiencing all the hardships of captivity

Chief of the Main Intelligence Agency, Head of the Coordination Headquarters Kyrylo Budanov expressed content with today’s successful release, as there were some questions about the lists yesterday.

“The fact that you are here is like a statement that everything is going according to plan and everyone will be returned,” he said.