People in Donetsk are waiting for us — former hostage of the «DPR»

Vasyl Savin, a former hostage of the so-called «Donetsk People’s Republic», was released on December 29, 2019, as part of an exchange. He was captured in March 2015. Prior to that he was appointed by the «DPR» as the purported head of the «Central City District Administration» in occupied Makiivka. He now claims to have worked for the Ukrainian special services and carried out their tasks. Following the full-scale invasion, Vasyl Savin joined the front lines. Presently, he serves as a soldier and officer within the 56th separate motorised infantry Mariupol brigade.

«I decided to go to war while still in captivity»

Vasyl Savin: From the first days of the occupation of Donbass, in March 2014, I was active as a sitting politician: organizing rallies, participating in various events, and providing explanations aimed at those who supported the Ukrainian government – the patriots of Ukraine. There was and still is a large number of them in Donbass.

I wrote articles and open letters, and I had several meetings with the governor at the time, Serhii Taruta, who warmly welcomed me. During this period, we collaborated on various defense-related issues, including the establishment of volunteer battalions, which was my primary focus.

To be frank, I have always maintained close ties with our special services, carrying out specific tasks. I was involved in preparing an armed uprising against the enemy in Makiivka, my hometown, where I had deep knowledge of the situation and the people. I established an agent network but was subsequently captured.

On February 27, 2015, I was taken prisoner by FSB officers, along with members of the so-called «MGB of the DPR», a fact unbeknownst to me at the time. I endured torture, beatings, interrogations, and was held in the worst conditions, including the basements of secret prisons. Ultimately, I spent five years in the basement of the Donetsk SIZO. Prior to my release in the exchange, I spent three months in a strict regime colony in Makiivka, where ironically, I held the position of head of the executive committee.

Even while in captivity, I resolved to join the war effort, anticipating the impending full-scale invasion. However, upon my release, my health did not immediately permit me to do so. When I had recuperated, the invasion had commenced. On February 24, I promptly presented myself at the Shevchenkivskyi military enlistment office. Despite offers of work in various specific fields, I insisted on joining an official brigade of the Armed Forces, particularly my native 56th Mariupol Brigade.

I immediately resolved to go to war while still in captivity, before the full-scale invasion. However, my health did not permit an immediate departure after the exchange. Upon my recovery, the invasion commenced. On February 24, I promptly presented myself at the Shevchenkivskyi military commissariat. I declined all offers of work in specific fields; my desire was to serve in an official brigade of the Armed Forces. Moreover, I aimed to serve not just anywhere, but in my native 56th Mariupol Brigade.

Initially, our entire battalion hailed from Mykolaiv, though few remain now. The people of Mykolaiv sacrificed their lives for the Donetsk land. Where are my fellow countrymen, the deputies of the Donetsk City Council? I stand alone.

Read also: «While my husband was in captivity, my son stopped talking» — wife of a prisoner of war

On cooperation with special services

Vasyl Savin: Why did I agree? I had no doubts or hesitations – I immediately decided to fight. For my hometown, for our Ukrainian Donbas. The enemy entered my city right away, in Makiivka, passed over my house – this is the Zelenyi neighbourhood – and through the whole city to Donetsk.

When the enemy enters, what do you do? How do you fight? We read books and watched films, but when it happens in reality, you don’t know what to do. You act on gut feeling, as some inner voice guides you. You lack experience.

I shared with my supervisor, the general, my vision of the struggle. In response, I was plainly told: «What you’ve come up with is such an adventure. You will be sitting in the basement with a bag over your head». Despite being a senior lieutenant, I believed I had a better understanding of the situation than the general. And I don’t blame anyone for being captured. I underestimated myself, my strength, and capabilities. I underestimated that it wasn’t just my Donetsk enemies working against me, but a formidable FSB structure. My associate betrayed me. He was killed just a few months later.

Would you do things differently today?

Vasyl Savin: Of course, we are not standing still, we are learning. We have taken into account the mistakes made back then. However, I must emphasize, at that time, no one knew how to resist. We acted based on our instincts.

Today, we would handle everything more professionally. We have paid the price for these past 10 years. Our army is now strong, as are our special services. They have identified everyone who was involved during my 5 years in captivity: those who tortured me, interrogated me, and searched me. Currently, two criminal cases are under consideration – one by the Prosecutor General’s Office and the other by the Security Service of Ukraine. All those responsible will be held accountable.

Read also: How thoroughly have Russian war crimes been investigated?

Do you plan to end this war at home, in Makiivka?

Vasyl Savin: Of course. In the capital, among political circles, there may be differing opinions. However, those of us who are fighting for our homeland hold only one opinion: we seek victory. The terrible price we’ve already paid is not for peace; it’s for victory. The soldiers won’t understand any alternative.

Problems with non-recognition of captivity

Vasyl Savin: We still have significant concerns regarding our state and bureaucratic structures. The state is expected to provide material assistance, yet many former political prisoners, myself included, have not received it.

The situation is utterly surreal. The special services have furnished the Ministry of Reintegration with information about me. However, it’s not even the Ministry itself but rather some elusive commission beneath it that determines my fate without my knowledge. Despite my repeated requests to attend the meetings, they are closed to me. Secret protocols and records govern the distribution of millions of state funds.

During my last hospitalization, I submitted an application to the commission as a wounded soldier seeking assistance. It was denied.

Read also: «The Chameleon» — a course about avoiding captivity and the psychology of survival in captivity

In times of war, the program «Free our relatives» tells the stories of people, cities, villages, and entire regions that have been captured by Russian invaders. We discuss the war crimes committed by the Kremlin and its troops against the Ukrainian people.

The program is hosted by Ihor Kotelyanets and Anastasia Bagalika.