‘Mom, I Survived, I Held Out’

• 20.04.2025, 8:25

Incredibly emotional footage of the Ukrainians returning from captivity.

On April 19, 277 defenders returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. For the first time in a long time, they stepped onto their native soil. Many heroes could not hold back their tears. They were so happy that they all hugged and greeted each other. Touching videos of the first minutes after the return of the Ukrainian defenders home have spread across the Internet, writes Glavred.

The Ukrainian defenders wrapped themselves in Ukrainian flags and proudly shouted “Glory to Ukraine!”

Ombudsman of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets stated that most of those released from captivity were young guys who were born after 2000.

“Many were in captivity for three long years. We continue to fight for every Ukrainian in captivity,” he wrote.

He added that the mother of the soldier who was returned from captivity that day made symbolic packages for all the defenders. It was a surprise for the woman that her own son would be in one of these buses. These bags contained icons, hand-woven bracelets, a chocolate candy and a note: “We waited for you.”

Once on their native soil, the defenders were able to call their relatives for the first time and say these most important words: “I was exchanged, I'm home.” One of the servicemen, who had been in Russian captivity for three whole years, could not contain his emotions when he called his mother.

“Mommy, I love you so much, I miss you so much, I can't tell you. I was in prison for three years, Mom, I survived, I held out. Mommy, I'll be back soon, everything will be fine. Please wait for me,” said the Ukrainian defender.