Bryce Wilson

The only things more horrifying than the bloody battles in Mariupol, the relentless bombardment of Azovstal, and the deaths of our brothers-in-arms are oblivion and inaction. Three years have passed since the Mariupol garrison went into captivity, fulfilling the orders of Ukraine’s highest military and political authorities after completing every task entrusted to them. Throughout this time, more than 800 service members of the 12th Azov Brigade have remained in Russian captivity. Prolonged imprisonment, torture, constant psychological pressure, malnutrition, and denial of medical care have become the daily reality for my captive brothers-in-arms. Every day there is a battle — for life, for dignity, and for hope of freedom. The Mariupol garrison defended the city for 86 days. They have now endured over 1,000 days in captivity. To forget this is to betray them. To fail to make every possible effort to bring them home is to become complicit in the crime against them. The defense of Mariupol was an act of salvation for Ukraine. Those who continue the fight in Russian prisons expect their country to show them the gratitude they deserve — just as they did three years ago, when they fought selflessly, far beyond the limits of human endurance, while completely encircled. They would undoubtedly do the same if hundreds of Ukrainians were trapped in the hell of Russian captivity for three years — and there was even the slightest chance to rescue them. And such chances always exist. All it takes is will and the desire to act.

One world-renowned French writer and volunteer believed that being human means feeling responsible for what happens around you. Another famous German thinker and volunteer wrote, "It is important to note that it is precisely the most vigorous life that sacrifices itself most willingly." These two quotations perhaps best capture the essence of Ukrainian volunteers — those who chose to fight rather than flee. There is no greater happiness than defending what is dear to you, taking responsibility for the fate of your country, and making your own decisions about your life while standing at the epicenter of historic events for your people. I am proud that Azov has been a stronghold of the volunteer spirit in Ukraine since its inception. Today, the unit remains true to its origins. No modern weapon frightens the occupiers more than disciplined, well-trained, and motivated fighters — those who made the conscious choice to exchange the comfort of their homes and the calm of rear towns for the steel thunderstorms of battles for their motherland’s freedom; those who safeguarded Ukraine’s independence in 2014 and again in 2022, driven by their hearts, even when lacking proper training; those who have become true military professionals today. I congratulate every Ukrainian volunteer on our day and thank you for the choice you have made, for the responsibility you have taken, and for standing your ground despite the hardships of this difficult path. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Ukrainian volunteers!