Four Ukrainian soldiers, who had been hidden in a hospital deep inside Russian territory for over three years, have been successfully rescued by Ukrainian forces, marking a significant triumph in the ongoing conflict.
What Happened
The soldiers, who had been injured during battles in 2022, were hidden in a hospital located in Russian-occupied Ukraine. They survived with the help of “sympathetic doctors” who protected them from Russian secret services, according to Ukrainian Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa. The four rescued individuals include a marine, three National Guards, and a medical worker who had assisted in hiding the soldiers.
The rescue operation began after a marine, recently released in a Moscow-Kyiv prisoner swap, informed the Ukrainian authorities that his twin brother, severely wounded during the 2022 fighting, was still in a hospital. This information led to the decision to initiate a special evacuation mission. Further investigation revealed that, in addition to the twin, three other soldiers had been hidden for more than three years in the same hospital.
Neizhpapa, in a social media post announcing the successful rescue, emphasized the extraordinary efforts of the Angels special forces unit, which carried out the operation in multiple stages. The unit has been instrumental in rescuing a total of 88 people from Russian-held areas since its creation. The operation demonstrates the incredible resilience of Ukrainian forces in the face of adversity.
Reactions
The rescue operation has been hailed as a remarkable achievement, showing the strength and determination of Ukrainian military forces. Neizhpapa called the mission a “story of faith,” highlighting how these soldiers survived in the most difficult circumstances. An emotional video shared by the Ukrainian Navy shows one of the soldiers eagerly awaiting the return of his brother, whom he hadn’t seen for four years. The reunion was an emotional moment, with the soldier expressing, “I miss him so much. I’m going to meet him now. It’s not easy to get through something like this.”
Neizhpapa also emphasized that the successful rescue highlights the capabilities of the Angels special forces unit, which has demonstrated time and again that “nothing is impossible for Ukrainian soldiers.”
What’s Next
The rescued soldiers are now safely reunited with their families. The operation is seen as a significant victory for Ukraine, not only because of the successful mission but also because it underscores the commitment of the Ukrainian military to protect its people and recover them from hostile territories.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, reported in July that over 6,400 Ukrainians have been freed from Russian captivity since 2022, with many of them being part of prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. This rescue operation adds to that number, showcasing Ukraine’s continued efforts to bring its people home, even from the most dangerous and difficult circumstances.
As the war continues, Ukrainian forces are expected to keep up their efforts in securing the release of more individuals from Russian-controlled areas. The bravery of these soldiers and the relentless drive of the Ukrainian military continue to serve as symbols of hope and resilience.
Closing Line
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available.
The post Four Ukrainian Soldiers Rescued from Russian Territory After Three Years in Hiding first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
