A fighter of the “Azov” brigade with the call sign “Yas” served as a fire support squad commander before the full-scale invasion began. He took part in the defense of Mariupol and the defense of “Azovstal,” and later, like many others, was captured. According to him, the experience gained during the Mariupol campaign was one of the most significant periods of his service.

On May 6, 2023, “Yas” was released from captivity along with 42 other “Azov” fighters. After returning to service, he became the commander of a new unmanned systems battalion. In this article, he shares his memories of defending the city, his experiences in captivity, and the creation of the drone battalion within the 12th NGU “Azov” brigade.

From May 16 to 20, 2022, the garrison defending Mariupol received an order to cease defense. This was the last point on the map not captured by Russian forces. The official date of Mariupol’s occupation is May 21.

“Yas” joined “Azov” in the summer of 2015 and has served in this brigade ever since. At the start of the full-scale invasion on February 24, his unit was ready for action, quickly gathering their gear and heading to Mariupol.

All the experience accumulated before the invasion helped them withstand the enemy’s pressure. “Yas” served in a sniper group and commanded a fire support squad, carrying out various tasks with heavy weapons, trying to repel enemy assaults.

After being wounded, he was unable to be on duty for some time, but after recovery, he returned to the unit. They joined forces with fighters who had crossed from the right bank and continued their missions.

Over time, the situation at “Azovstal” became critical: shortages of provisions and ammunition, constant airstrikes, and missile attacks complicated their tasks. Losses among comrades were significant, and food was rationed according to a schedule, allowing themselves to eat only once or twice a day.

Being taken prisoner from “Azovstal” was a special moment for “Yas.” He remembers wanting to bring water to the severely wounded but learned that they had to surrender. This was a shock, as he realized Russia could break the agreements at any moment.

On May 20, the most combat-ready fighters were taken out. Although they feared Russia would not honor the agreement, everything went calmly: weapons were surrendered, and they were taken together to Olenivka.

In captivity, “Yas” listened to Ukrainian news via FM radio, as it was the only way to get information. The feeling of being forgotten grew stronger when the news focused more on budget issues rather than the war.

Before his release, he was called in for interrogation, where he was forced to record the truth about himself. Then he was told he was being exchanged. This moment was highly stressful, but he tried to block out memories of captivity.

After his release, “Yas” learned that all his combat comrades remained in the military, and following a moral calling, he decided to return to service. Serving in the sniper unit became the best period of his career.

After captivity, he decided to switch to drones, underwent several trainings, and initiated this direction within the brigade. Initially, he had five enthusiasts experimenting with various drone models, but over time the battalion grew and became powerful in firepower.

Currently, the battalion operates in four main areas: FPV drones, large fixed-wing UAVs, strike “bombers,” and ground robotic complexes. There is an engineering workshop and a UAV laboratory servicing all units.

They have already destroyed TOCs, and now destroying “Grads” has become a routine task. “Yas” emphasizes that development is necessary because the enemy does not stand still, and they must outplay them technologically.

He realized that Russia does not honor any agreements, and as long as it exists, the war will not end. This is their enemy, and it cannot be justified.