Azov Fighters about Life in Russian Prison & Not Giving Up. Discuss the Hottest Topics of War

Illia Samoilenko is a staff officer of Azov. Serhii Rotchuk is a combat medic and Azov fighter since 2015. Both men were fighting during the defence of Mariupol for 86 days, and were under siege at Azovstal steel works until the very end on May 19th 2022. Due to dwindling supplies and to save the lives of the many wounded, they surrended. More than 2000 were taken into Russian captivity. After their release, they wasted no time and returned to the frontline: for Azov, and for Ukraine. In this interview, we speak to both men about their time in captivity, about the 650 Azov fighters who remain in Russian prisons, about the Russian Red Cross, and how to stay motivated in even the darkest hours.
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#Azov #warinukraine #counteroffensive #russia #ukraine

[@Lilith42832]

Ukrainians are such intelligent and courageous people. And Azov is just simply amazing. I salute you two and look forward to your victory.

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

How Amazing is Azov ? It barely exists. After they got completely destroyed in Mariupol and Bakhmut, you are probably the only one who still remembers them.

[@ironknee6879]

@@stoli4no_bor4e The 3rd Assault Brigade, 2nd Assault Brigade, 98th Battalion, 225th and 226th Recon Battalions, 127th Defense Brigade, Main Directorate of Intelligence attached to the 92nd Mechanized Brigade are all Azov. They’re larger, better equipped, and better trained than they’ve even been. Try not to lurk and be such a creep next time, bud.

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

@@stoli4no_bor4e Azov recruits others with wills of steel. They are warmed by a desire for vengeance and how their comrades were treated and are still being treated. My advice to Orcs: Surrender early and often.

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

@@ironknee6879 RIP in advance fools

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

@@ironknee6879 You are better off at the ''pride'' parade , seriously.

[@berndschleicher5907]

Our thanks belongs to these two soldiers and all the other fighters in Ukraine who are committed to defending our values ​​such as freedom and justice.

[@user-dm7ql4sh3z]

And open Naziism.

[@janicemazei2284]

Such admirable heroes. We cannot imagine what they've been through, but they will not give up💙💛

[@ironknee6879]

Excellent interview. As a combat vet myself, I felt it when Gandalf stated, “We’ve already given our best lives for the sake of the country,” and I can see both men meant every bit of it. Much respect.

[@k94122]

Wow! What true Patriots! You guys are the shining stars of what all soldiers everywhere strive to achieve! 🌟 As a USA ARMY VETERAN I salute you both! 🫡👍🏼🇺🇸🇺🇦💙💛Slava Ukraini!

[@CG-lq3hh]

🇺🇸🇺🇦

[@janrandle2896]

Impressive guys

[@user-wd9ls6xl2u]

🇺🇸🦄🏳️‍🌈

[@user-mi8qy7xy9o]

🇺🇦🤝🇺🇲 thanks a lot!

[@user-wd9ls6xl2u]

@@user-mi8qy7xy9o🇬🇧🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈🦄🇺🇦

[@irongron]

A couple of great Ukrainians. I am not Ukrainian (ancestry former Jugoslavija), but my wife is and I have lived here for almost a decade. My wife lost her flat in the so-called DNR at Makiivka in 2014, so we moved to the Ukraine side of the contact line in Donetska Oblast and I bought a new flat to replace the one she lost and we had to leave last year. We haven't been home in a yar and a half. The Azov heroes not only fight for Ukrainians, they fight for a resident like me too, so that one day I can go home to Donbas. Heroyam Slava. Za peremogu!

[@idokwatcher2062]

How much was an apartment in Ukraine back then? I suspect it was very affordable if poor Yugoslavs could buy one. It is becoming very expensive now in former Yugoslavia, the greatest percent increase of real estate price in whole of Europe in 2023.

[@user-mi8qy7xy9o]

Stay strong mate!💪

[@avztralopitec]

@@idokwatcher2062who have said poor? Are you delusional? Who have said that he is Yugoslav? He’s said about ancestry

[@idokwatcher2062]

@@avztralopitec what is he then, a Martian?

[@avztralopitec]

@@idokwatcher2062 you have to ask him.

[@poisonousbadge126]

Thank you united24 for this amazing production and keeping a spotlight on the war!

[@Christian-rj2yc]

Heroes of the free world!

[@VoidAspect]

As a Brit I'd like to express the deep respect we have for the soldiers of Ukraine. It is my sincere hope that our weak leadership finally stands behind Ukraine and gives them what they need to win

[@migproductions4045]

Our leadership was the FIRST to provide weapons to Ukraine and is the second largest supporter! Our leadership is just fine, keep your insults about Britain in your head Jack.

[@rorychivers8769]

@@migproductions4045 I also as a Brit wish we would up our efforts tenfold to support Ukraine, and if you don't think it's ok to criticise your own leadership, well, Russia is that way, "Jack"

[@migproductions4045]

@@rorychivers8769 I am NO Jack! I also know a lot of MOSCAL are doing that very thing already Jack, criticizing our leadership. REAL brits have a stiff upper lip and show BACKBONE. We don't tell tales out of school or ANNOUNCE to the world our lack of respect for our own..YOU DO. Maybe your not as BRITISH as you thought? Loose lips sink ships Jack. You CURSED our response when it was one of the strongest in the world, your data and your attitude are suspect. Keep your contempt for your own land QUIET or expect to meet people like ME. JACK.

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

The Britons have led the way. Boris Johnson, behind only Poland to show up, and well before so many others, seeking virtue, including the disgusting Randi Weingarten, teachers' union leader with no business in Ukraine, no gifts, nothing but her inflated sense of self importance. The UK, with France and others, led the world with long-range missiles and other gear. My American President is a dithering old man, being used as a puppet by his scared political handlers. You have reason to be proud. We Americans have reason to be ashamed.

[@johnnygreenshirt6215]

What a dumb comment. We have been behind and supporting Ukraine since day one.

[@FearandBoredomFishing]

Gandalf.. you hero… your new arm is incredible it’s like Metal gear solid ⚡️

[@GuillaumeVrac]

Beaucoup de respect 🫡 pour ces personnes

[@FishingSGsWild]

*HUGE RESPECT TO THIS WARRIORS*

[@user-rz9wh5hx2f]

One day a movie will be made about the Azov battalion - the whole of the free world sees you & many parts of the oppressive world too …. Much Respect to you team, you will go down in history beside legends like the 300 Spartans 👊🏾💪🏽 🇺🇦

[@dwl3006]

You can already find documentaries about Azov by searching for terms like "White supremacism in Ukraine"

[@guardiangypsy2682]

Much love and admiration from the UK 🇬🇧.... ❤🇺🇦❤

[@migproductions4045]

I second this motion! ❤🇺🇦❤

[@Liza03V]

This interview was too short. Those guys have a lot to tell us. I love Azov and Kraken unit. They defended Mariupol 2 times. 👌👌👌👏👏👏💙💛💙💛🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@phalanxstrategy6233]

Some people who has been in exstreme combat situations just don't share - accept it!

[@charles_king]

Awesome interview with the heroes. Thank you very much!

[@DeniseSyrett]

Those of us around the world who may be discouraged by the progress of the war at this point will be renewed by the calm courage and strength of these two men. ❤️💛💙🇺🇸🇺🇦

[@guillermoalvarado3110]

We all have a talent, chefs who create some of the most delicious food, doctors who have the hands to treat a sick person. Mechanics, construction workers who build and fix anything , etc. these men are called to be warriors! “We have given up on our best life”. They will continue to live and die as one! Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@CG-lq3hh]

I’m no genius but it’s obvious Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington are crucial, extending his trip to key ammo production areas like Lima, OH, Mesquite, TX, etc., could further solidify connections with vital sectors, including the middle class, which plays a crucial role in influencing Congress. 🇺🇸🇺🇦

[@bigolboomerbelly4348]

It's not just about Congress but Military and Intelligence as well.

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

The Americans have shifted their focus to the true victims, the Israelis. Ukrainians are now chopped liver. Their children are nothing, their cities are nothing.

[@kensota]

Amazing interview. These brave Ukrainian soldiers survived hell, yet they maintained their humility and strength. Bless them and all Ukrainians. From USA

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

How about all the innocent Russian civillians who they terrorized since 2014 in Donyetsk and Luhansk regions ? They burned Russians alive in Odessa. Since you live in the US and you know nothing about whats going on here what gives you right to take sides ? There is no good guys in this and you are making a fool of yourself.

[@rhondabailey9238]

"And in this moment, I feel myself sometimes, few times, like my brain cannot believe that this happens real." Yes, it is so mind blowing that the insane asylum has been allowed *any* position of power. It needs to *end*

[@user-nn8og7nj9c]

ROTCHUK and SAMOLIENKO are heroes !!! ❤👍 gloire à eux et à leurs combattants luttant pour leur liberté SLAVA ZSU SLAVA AZOV 💪 🇨🇵🇺🇦👊✌

[@realkina84]

Incredible leadership emanating from every world

[@rachelc2227]

J'aimerais que mon gouvernement Québec et Canada voit et entende leurs demande, l'Ukraine a besoin maintenant de tout, aidez-les svp

[@Rod732]

🇺🇦❤

[@armaturistas]

Big respect 🙏 👏

[@johntrottier1162]

Two amazing men! The exemplify the best of the Ukrainian nation. The bravery, the steadfast resolve, the patriotism and the love of their country is what we as the western world need to emulate. If we could even get close to the qualities they exhibit, the world would be a far better place.

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

I can emulate their love of country, not their toughness.

[@jeremysydorenko8683]

Yes indeed. ❤from a ukie in arkansas

[@Bob-nd2mr]

I think I remember Illia Samoilenko the staff officer. He videoed from the Mariupol steel works, and Serhi Rotchuk as a combat medic will understand medical intervention after this war. So many concerned people all over the world praying for Ukraine to push the Russians out. The Ukrainians have no other option. they really do not... Slava Ukraini

[@braveworld2707]

*Героям слава!* 💪

[@divpolitics9520]

Impressive English skills for soldiers, keep up the fight 👊

[@simonewing4222]

I saw a video the other day of russians beating their own soldiers because they were taking drugs, probably traumatised by the sheer numbers they're losing every single day with their assult on adiivka. They were beating them, making them dig and shooting close to their heads... if they can do this to their own, I hate to imagine what they do to the poor POWs 😞 Stay strong ukriane, slava ukraini, heroiam slava 💙💛🇺🇦🇬🇧

[@jorgearreaza4623]

Ukranians kill the ones who want to surrender i have also seen videos of that. So what is worse?

[@donotmislead]

Q: if they can do this to their own... A: The thing is that none of them is their own, the Muscovites themselves consist of various ethnic groups, peoples and nations hating each other just like that.

[@donotmislead]

Q: I saw a video... A: The Muscovites are not reputable enough to trust their words even for a second.

[@donotmislead]

Q: they were blown to smithereens... A: This Muscovite watched trash movies too much, one fragmentation grenade is not enough to blow three soldiers out.

[@donotmislead]

Q: beating new recruits... inside their barracks... to going to fight... A: There are no barracks near the front line and thus no Muscovites to fight nowhere near the Ukrainian barracks.

[@billotto602]

These prisoner exchanges are mind boggling. I doubt that was ever even remotely considered in WW2. God bless all the brave men & women fighting for Ukraine. Slava Ukraine ! 🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏 🫡 🇺🇦 🇺🇸

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

Prisoners of the Germans were pretty well treated, since the Allies could have modified treatment in response. Prisoners of the Japanese, well, that's an ongoing source of shame for the Japanese people.

[@braveworld2707]

There were POW exchanges in WWII but on a very, very small scale like individual cases.

[@akasa000]

Thank you Illia and Serhi for sharing your thoughts with the world. Very happy to see you are doing well, at least on the surface. The free world will not give up on Ukraine and will continue supporting until Ukraine's victory and ruZZia lost. Thank you United 24 for your continuous effort in spreading awareness of this war to the rest of the world. Keep it up. You are doing great. Slava Ukraine! Heroyam Slava!

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

"On the surface" is correct. Why have Biden's handlers not taken revenge for this particular set of atrocities? Yet they send aircraft carriers elsewhere.

[@dank1518]

Respect for Ukrainian warriors & families supporting their efforts.

[@thessalonians6004]

💯

[@AG-mz7vm]

Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava!

[@user-gl5kf9jh1y]

Slava Ukraine 💙💛 vielen dank liebe united 24 ❤

[@justinmoorhead2632]

Great video as usual. Fingers crossed that the remaining Azov fighters are freed. Gandalf is such a great guy, soldier and leader.

[@jackbenny4458]

SLAVA!

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

slava cocaine

[@Tukduk22]

😢дивилась зі сльозами на очах. Особливо коли він сказав про бути в kill zone у мене досі інколи буває таке відчуття після окупації. Після такого досвіду прощання з життям, все стає іншим. Абсолютно Велика шана і повага воїнам!

[@brankakovacic2719]

God bless you 🇺🇦🙏💙💛

[@antimatters6283]

Important words at 5:00; "It is a different culture. A culture of torturing. A culture of violence, and culture of pain."

[@MCSonixx]

🇺🇦🫂🫶

[@DANIELWAGNER-tr1vh]

slava ukrain💙💛✌💯

[@przemysawidziak2086]

Real life heroes, God bless You guys! Stay strong

[@Ironsatyr]

Excellent interview. Stay strong Ukraine!

[@cdykstra6]

Thank you for this interesting interview. I feel for the POWs still held in russia. 💙💛

[@braveworld2707]

*Вічна пам'ять усім жертвам руззького терору.*

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

You have nothing to ''feel'' for , the Ukrainian captives are treated well , fed and given medicare and released after back into Ukraine. Some go back to the war after but truth is half of these men surrender because they want to get captured by the Russians. Many Ukrainian soldiers are on the frontline against their will kidnapped on the street by the military police of Zelensky. Now they are sending even pregnant women to the battlefield. You know nothing. People like you have no right to pick sides and even discuss this.

[@mikesaunders4694]

Inspirational interview. God bless these guys.

[@mentalsid3701]

Slava Ukraine !!!! ❤💙💛💙💛💙💛❤ xxx Scotland xxx

[@peterderidder9922]

For sure no one can immagen the hell where those guys where ! Only when you where there youreself you know it was HELL . Again this proves how deeply those russians are brainwashed !!!!

[@sanguma]

thanks for sharing

[@chrisbecker5472]

Слава Україні 🔱 Героям Слава

[@michellelaird8234]

Deepest respect for these calm, clear-headed warriors. I wish every single person who is hesitant to support Ukraine could hear this. Glory to the heroes! Many prayers for those who remain in captivity. 🇺🇦

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

Buddy, The Russians treat the Ukrainian captives as brothers, feeding them, healing them while the Ukrainans torture Russians captives. The '' warriors'' you are supporting are dead long time ago. There is no ''glory'' in Ukraine, there is nothing glorious. The Ukrainian soldiers left fighting there average age now is 50 yo. many of them are forced to go on the frontline against their will by Zelensky , they send now women to the battlefield because 1 125 000 Ukrainian soldiers were killed so far and they have very little reserves left. These ''heroes'' you talking about are terrorists. Quit giving opinions and taking sides about things you are very far from and you don't know anything about you are embarrassing yourself.

[@Max_Ukas]

Azov... The Best of the best in our nation 🇺🇦✊🏻

[@pissbridge]

I'm American and i hope that Ukraine gets there home back and Russia goes away believe it or not there are a lot of us Americans watching this war very close not our government but us every day people working and providing for our families we love you Ukraine and hope this ends in your favor!!!!

[@Casper01189]

Thank you very much for this Interview. Also very nice thats in english and very good the fixed subtitles. Thank you, thank you! And slava ukraini!

[@camo6344]

Thank you to all Ukrainian soldiers and civilians for your service to humanity long live Ukraine and love and support from an Australian

[@l5475]

Azov are true warriors of humanity

[@fsbollox]

Unbelievably Brave men I take a low bow to you both your work is to keep the whole free world free and you Continue to be Warriors Maximum Respect Glory to Ukraine you are role models to all Freedom Fighters Slava Ukraine

[@sineadegan3690]

These are 2 lucky men to be out of captivity. Brave too, to just jump back in the fight. They have a stark realism about the russians, I think comes from their experience during the ATO. They know more than most what life will be like if the russians are allowed to win. Respect and best wishes. Slava Ukraïni. ❤️🇮🇪

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

How lucky are their minds, thinking about their comrades? Where is the Red Cross? Where is civilization?

[@user-kq6bk7sf7g]

Thank you guys!

[@annaconfractum]

Thank you !

[@lekjaku7378]

God bless this guys of AZOV! Very, very Soldiers! Long life!

[@richardbrown2447]

Amazing people Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦 From Australia 🇦🇺

[@jayf1581]

off the chart displays of stoicism and heroism, god bless you both

[@Povitrulya]

Thank you for the protection.

[@aroy3719]

MAXIMUM RESPECT.

[@jarkkovanska6681]

💪🇫🇮🇺🇦🇫🇮🇺🇦😁👍

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

You in the wrong place, the ''gay pride'' parade is the other way

[@stonefish1318]

💙💛 Slava Ukraina! Heroyam Slava! ❤️🖤

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

Slava COCAINE

[@Njordall]

God bless these warriors.

[@illiaamurom6048]

Ukraine will prevail against all odds!

[@dustingiles]

Awesome interview simply amazing soldiers.

[@rekstok]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

Slava , slava COCAINE

[@Ed_in_Md]

Thank you for sharing this. May God bless you. I hope I say this correctly, Slava Ukraine!

[@irchar7826]

Amazing Video

[@larsjohannessen8311]

🇳🇴 Much respect 🇺🇦

[@AndyWoohoo666]

That's some real and proper soldiers!

[@user-qr1qc3ew5i]

Слава Україні 🔱 Героям Слава.

[@GerryCorbin-xd6vn]

Slava Ukraine, Heroyam Slava, from CANADA.

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

Go back to the ''gay pride'' parade, be obedient and wave your Ukrainian and rainbow flags until you are walking with your medical mask on , this the best you could do. BTW do you even know where Ukraine is on the map ?

[@michaeljohnson3256]

What an absolute top interview these are the sorts of information that people need to listen to... direct from the soldiers ,and I don't think it's hard to realise reading between the lines what else is going on in Russian prisons. you couldn't call Russians animals that is an insult to animals.. they are to coin a phrase subhuman and any Russian who supports them is also a war criminal and that goes for the prison guards. These men are the bravest of the Brave who have been through hell to come back and do it all again for their country Ukrainians are an amazing people onward to victory we shall get there🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇭🇲

[@Mythendor]

great interview!! tyvm!

[@MarieAndree442]

Huge respect 🫡

[@lhaaa1059]

Great guys ! All I can say is ... Azov just is. Thank you gentlemen and the rest of Azov.

[@Azov777]

True hero’s thank you ❤you are so brave

[@timandsuzidickey9358]

wow.....That's Committed....and like He says...Sacrafice.....really dedicated !!

[@WonderMagician]

President Zelensky is correct: Commitment to defending one's rights and freedom does take one into the darkest places to reach victory, The Azov fighters' dedication to victory by the rules of war is stellar.

[@dtsh4451]

I don’t have a dog in the fight: just curious how azov treated the locals before the war? How azov treated the captured Russian POW? How much truth to the report what azov did to the locals in mariopul before the war?

[@oomegator]

Absolute legends.

[@rffromusa8319]

Dang. These guys are as tough as steel. Many thanks to the worlds brave defenders from Ukraine. 🇺🇦 🫡 USA supports Ukraine in it's fight for freedom. 🇺🇲🤝🇺🇦

[@AlexanderZapataIndividual]

Gandalf did not realize russia left the geneva convention.

[@migproductions4045]

Gandalf knows everything!

[@oleksandrdonikhin7124]

Важлива тема про яку варто говорити!

[@user-un7kt9ol7k]

Дякую

[@east_coast_ceo1070]

🇺🇦 will win they're taking heavy defensive measure while still maintaining advances with more equipment moving past current front lines

[@joeynelson4176]

Brave men. Ukrainians continue to amaze me. Stay safe 💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

stay safe ? 😅 they are already dead

[@joeynelson4176]

@@stoli4no_bor4e aren't you a peach of a human. Bless your heart, asshole.

[@shaiaheyes2c41]

I'm in awe, these men are amazing. You are obvious the tip of the spear and role models for other Westerners who love their nation and country. God bless the Azov battalion, the heroes of our time.

[@just_fake_q]

Comment for the support of the video. That you, guys, Glory to Ukraine!

[@thevaleryfox]

slava heroyam!!

[@user-mi8qy7xy9o]

Just imagine what was they through...((( humiliation, pain, torture

[@helldrummy]

Living heroes

[@stoli4no_bor4e]

wrong... they are not ''living'' anymore, these guy are already dead . How much of ''heroes'' are they we can argue too.

[@the.communist]

Well my little 2 "friends", be greatful n happy you are still alive.

[@nursekovalchuk1221]

👍

[@LiberalinOregon]

Thank you for interviewing these brave warriors. Slava Ukraine.

[@LisaNH934]

🇺🇦 AZOV HEROES 🇺🇦 Thank you United24