Arsenii Fedosiuk, a former lieutenant in Ukraine's Azov Brigade, shares his harrowing experience of imprisonment and torture by the Russians. His wife, Yulia, joins the campaign to free POWs. They discuss survival, resilience, the Mariopul siege, call signs inspired by literature, emotional turmoil of captive families, navigating perceptions, politics, and the strength shown by captives.
Arsenii endured torture in Russian captivity, highlighting brutal conditions faced by Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Yulia's advocacy and resilience demonstrate commitment to releasing prisoners and seeking justice.
Deep dives
The Experience of Asene and Yulia Fadosuk in Captivity
Asene and Yulia Fadosuk share their harrowing experiences during their time in captivity in Russian forces. Asene, a former Zov battalion fighter, was imprisoned in Olanevka and endured tortures and interrogations, while Yulia, his wife, worked tirelessly to campaign for the release of other prisoners. The couple describes the physical and mental toll of captivity, including poor nutrition, beatings, and interrogations, highlighting the brutal conditions faced by Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Challenges and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite facing extreme adversity, Asene and Yulia exhibit remarkable resilience and determination throughout their ordeal. Asene recounts the unjust treatment and torture he endured, yet maintains courage and a sense of justice. Yulia's unwavering support and advocacy demonstrate her strength and commitment to helping not only her husband but also the remaining prisoners still held captive. Their shared experiences show their perseverance and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardships.
Campaign for Justice and Hope for the Future
Asene and Yulia's story underscores the ongoing campaign for justice and freedom for Ukrainian prisoners of war. Despite challenges and setbacks, they remain hopeful and dedicated to advocating for the release of others still in captivity. Their interactions with politicians in the UK and the US reflect their efforts to raise awareness and seek support for the imprisoned fighters. Through their continued fight for justice, Asene and Yulia embody strength, determination, and a sense of responsibility towards their fellow compatriots.
A husband and wife’s tale of imprisonment, torture and their campaign to free POWs.
Arsenii Fedosiuk, a lieutenant in Ukraine’s Azov Brigade, was one of the soldiers who fought defending the Azovstal steel works and was imprisoned, tortured and subsequently released by the Russians.
He’s in London with his wife, Yulia, as part of a campaign to put pressure on the Russian authorities to return their Prisoners of War, and came into the Ukrainecast studio.
Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Irena Taranyuk.
The producers were Arsenii Sokolov and Nick Holland. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480
You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord
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