Ukrainian marine's relative brought back from Russian occupation: details of special operation

The Naval Forces have shared a story of a complex multi-stage operation to evacuate a relative of a Ukrainian Marine Corps serviceman to Ukrainian-controlled territory.

Source: Ukrainian Naval Forces press service

Details: The operation was carried out by the Naval Forces' special reconnaissance unit Angels. The timeframe has not been disclosed.

It is noted that the man had been forced to hide from the occupying forces for an extended period. He was placed on a wanted list after shooting one Russian serviceman dead and injuring another while defending his property. During the confrontation, he himself sustained a perforating wound, was detained and taken to hospital.

Seizing the opportunity, the man escaped from the medical facility and walked 60 kilometres with his wound. Years of hiding and resistance to the occupation authorities followed, until he was able to make contact with his family.

The planning of his extraction involved forces and assets of units within the relevant zone of responsibility: a marine brigade, the 79th Border Guard Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and the 426th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment of the Naval Forces Marine Corps.

After contact was established, the man was given detailed instructions on the route and rules of conduct at checkpoints. Due to the high density of fire and the impossibility of using motor transport, he covered approximately 10 kilometres by bicycle to the meeting point. Throughout this time, the subject was under continuous surveillance by reconnaissance UAVs and covered by FPV drones. To ensure a safe corridor, Russian checkpoints along the route were struck by Ukrainian drones.

After meeting with the escort group, movement continued along field roads, bypassing main Russian nodes. Part of the route had to be covered on foot due to the risk of detection.

Thanks to the courage of the civilian and the professionalism of the Naval Forces units, the man was successfully evacuated. He has already been reunited with his family and is safe on Ukrainian-controlled territory.

Over four years, the Angels have rescued 104 military personnel and civilians and continue their operations.

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