Ukrainian defender Serhii Yurchenko spent three years in enemy captivity, but what he endured only strengthened his motivation.

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine told the story of his combat journey.

In 2012, our hero entered the Donetsk Military Lyceum, and in 2014 he began his career with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

In December 2019, he volunteered to go to the Joint Forces Operation area as part of the 1st Border Guard Detachment, with which he faced russia’s full-scale invasion.

From the first days, Serhii carried out combat missions to defend Mariupol, including holding the Azovstal steel plant together with other Ukrainian units.

During one of the clashes with enemy forces, the serviceman was wounded but continued performing his duty until he was taken captive by russia in May 2022, following prolonged fighting for the city.

According to Serhii, what he missed most in captivity was communication with his loved ones.

“At the colony in Komyshyno, they were not allowed either to read letters or to write to their families. His loved ones sent him many letters, but during his captivity he received only one — from his parents. The letter was handed to Serhii in May 2025. It had been written back in August 2024 — approximately nine months before the son was able to read his parents’ words,” the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine said.

Serhii returned from captivity on June 14, 2025, after spending three years and one month in captivity. In August, he was awarded the Order for Courage, 3rd Class, which had been awaiting him since 2022.