On 5 February, as part of a prisoner exchange, Ukraine secured the return of 157 citizens from Russian captivity. Among the released defenders are two Crimean Tatars: Marine Corps Master Sergeant Eskender Kudusov and Ruslan Kurtmallaiev, a serviceman of the 501st Marine Battalion.

During the 2014 occupation of Crimea, Eskender Kudusov was serving in the Marine Corps in Feodosia. Remaining loyal to his oath to Ukraine, he withdrew to the mainland alongside his fellow servicemen to continue his military service.

In April 2022, during the battles for Mariupol, Eskender Kudusov was captured by Russian forces. Russia unlawfully sentenced him initially to 25 years in prison, increasing the term to 29 years and 6 months in October 2025. Kudusov was subjected to particularly cruel treatment due to his principled stance and loyalty to Ukraine.

Ruslan Kurtmallaiev was also captured in April 2022 during the defence of Mariupol. Throughout his captivity, his wife, Olha Kurtmallaieva, was waiting for his return while battling cancer.

Ukraine continues to fight for the return of every single citizen. We remember everyone who remains in Russian captivity.