Kyiv: Ukrainian soldier captured by pro-Russian militants in the Donbas
The Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the fact that a soldier of the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade of Zakarpattia was captured by pro-Russian militants in the Donbas, reported the Brigade’s press-service on Facebook on Thursday, January 3.
The separatists’ website published a video of the captured Ukrainian soldier. The Brigade Command confirmed that it was indeed their soldier, Andriy Kachynskyi from Berestivka village of the Volodymyrets district in the Rivne region. Kachynskyi said in the video that he had been captured.
"Yes, it was indeed a serviceman from our brigade on the video. We understand that the given explanations were obtained under pressure and we do not judge them for it. Moreover, we stress that he cannot be responsible for his words,” the 128th brigade stated.
The Brigade Command explained that they were doing everything possible to free the serviceman. "International organizations are involved in the process. Andriy's relatives receive comprehensive support,” the brigade stated.
Earlier, militants of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic claimed to have captured a Ukrainian serviceman and posted a video of what they claimed was his assault rifle. Later, the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced the disappearance of a serviceman from the 128th Brigade on the night of December 29, 2018 in the Donbas. Search parties never found him.