Ukrainian border guard from Zmiinyi returns home after 34 months of captivity: heartbreaking photos

Ukrainian defender of Zmiinyi Island Yevhen Diakov, who was held in Russian captivity for 34 months, returned home to Odesa region and saw his family. Before that, the soldier had undergone rehabilitation.

The border guard was released from captivity as part of a large exchange on December 30, 2024. This was reported by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

"Native Vylkove met those who were waiting for him – relatives, friends, and comrades-in-arms – with warm hugs, smiles, and firm handshakes," the statement said.

The State Border Guard Service thanked the Hero for his steadfastness, dedication, and courage. Ukrainians are waiting for every defender to return home.

The mayor of Vylkove, Matvii Ivanov, said that relatives, friends, representatives of the executive committee, colleagues, and residents of the city came to meet Yevhen.

"We congratulate you on your return, wish you the strength of spirit and steadfastness in life, good health, peaceful life, and family comfort," Ivanov wrote.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, 189 Ukrainian citizens were returned to Ukraine on December 30, 2024, as part of the prisoner of war exchange. Among them were the defenders of Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, Zmiinyi Island, and soldiers from different front lines.

In particular, on the eve of the holiday, 33 border guards from the Donetsk, Izmail, and Mohyliv-Podilskyi detachments, the 23rd Marine Guard detachment, and the Steel Frontier brigade set foot on their native land.

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