Feb 23 • 20:01 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Former Ukrainian POW Oleksiy Anul: "Russian Special Services Tried to Kidnap Me in Geneva"

Oleksiy Anul, a former Ukrainian prisoner of war, discusses his experiences and recovery in Latvia, where he wrote a book to assist other POWs.

Oleksiy Anul, a former Ukrainian prisoner of war and co-founder of the 'Price of Freedom' foundation, shares his journey in a conversation with LSM.lv editor Ludmila Pilipa. Anul recounts his rehabilitation period in Latvia, where he spent three months recovering in the hospitals of Jūrmala. His time in Latvia became pivotal, not only for his physical recovery but also for the emotional and mental healing he underwent as he began to reflect upon his experiences as a POW.

During the interview, Anul reveals that a chance meeting with a stranger during his rehabilitation led him to embark on writing a book about his experiences. Initially reluctant to revisit the painful memories, he found encouragement from the stranger, who became a close friend. This connection helped him to organize his thoughts and experiences, facilitating the writing process, which he initially found challenging due to the mental toll of his past. The book aims to raise awareness and support for Ukrainian soldiers who have faced similar hardships and struggles in captivity.

Anul expresses that the process of writing the book has significantly altered his outlook on his mission to assist Ukrainian POWs. It not only serves as a personal catharsis but also as a powerful tool for advocacy, shedding light on the plight of POWs and aiming to mobilize support for their rehabilitation and reintegration. His testimony encapsulates the human spirit's resilience and the importance of sharing stories to forge connections and foster understanding amidst ongoing conflicts.

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