Ukrainian soldiers held position for months before rescue operation

The rescue operation was carried out by Skelia fighters.

One soldier had been stationed at the position since March 2025, while the other joined in November 2025. Their task was to defend a key road and hold back Russian forces advancing toward Sloviansk.

The servicemembers said they spent most of their time in underground shelters to avoid heavy artillery strikes.

“We were mostly underground, digging in so that heavy artillery couldn’t reach us,” one soldier said. “They assaulted us after our positions were destroyed.”

One of the soldiers had been wounded. A neighboring unit later took in both servicemembers, providing shelter and helping them find a route out.

“They got us out — Skelia fighters came in,” another soldier said. “Two of them reached us while others were clearing the area. They didn’t wait for better weather or anything. Huge thanks to them. We didn’t even think something like that was possible.”

The soldiers said Ukrainian troops also evacuated wounded personnel under difficult conditions.

According to the Skelia regiment, shifting front lines left the two servicemembers effectively encircled. Reconnaissance units advanced through Russian-held territory to reach them and extract them.

The evacuation lasted three days and was completed successfully.

“This is a story of endurance, brotherhood, and the principle that we do not leave our own behind,” the regiment said.