“DON’T I GET TIRED?” — UKRAINIAN SOLDIER RECOUNTS TWO AND A HALF YEARS IN CAPTIVITY
Dmytro “Rasti” Kanupier, a soldier with Ukraine’s 12th Azov Brigade, has recounted his two and a half years in Russian captivity, describing torture, prolonged interrogations and the psychological toll of detention.
Held at facilities including Olenivka, Kanupier said he heard an explosion, screams and smelled smoke during the deadly incident at the detention center, claiming prisoners were prevented from leaving.
At a detention facility in Taganrog, he said interrogations could last up to 12 hours. According to his account, he was beaten for hours and subjected to electric shocks, with interrogators reportedly taking turns when they became exhausted.
“And don’t I get tired?” he recalled thinking during the abuse.
A Russian court sentenced Kanupier to 29 years in prison, but he was eventually released as part of a prisoner exchange. After returning to Ukraine, he began a long process of physical and psychological recovery, including through sport. His experience later became the basis for Okrayets, a book documenting his captivity.
After recovering, Kanupier returned to military service. During his first mission back on the battlefield, two FPV drones caused the basement where he and his comrade, known as “Mers,” were sheltering to collapse. Both survived and managed to escape.
Later, a small cat rescued from the front and named Moon became a new companion in his life.
Today, Kanupier continues to serve in Ukraine’s defense. After enduring captivity, torture and renewed combat, he says his dream is now simple: to start a family, build a future, travel and see the world.
Despite everything he endured, Kanupier says he never gave up.