Ukrainian border guard Alina Panina returned from Russian captivity in October 2022, as she was in Mariupol at the beginning of the full-scale war.

The occupiers separated the girl from her husband and two service dogs. 

This is reported by the State Border Service of Ukraine. 

Alina Panina spent 5 months in Russian captivity, she managed to be released only in October 2022. 

"The morning of the full-scale invasion was met by the cynologist at the Mariupol Sea Trade Port. There, together with her four-legged assistant Sonya, she inspected sea vessels. Then there was the defense of the Azovmash plant, a week under constant fire at Azovstal, then captivity. To the hands "Alina got into the occupiers with two service dogs. Sonia and Jessie were with the border guard on Azovstal, together they went through extremely difficult tests, supported and protected them," the DPSU said in a statement. 

Photo: State Border Service of Ukraine

The border guard returned from captivity without her dogs.

The girl has already started her service in Volyn, on the Ukrainian-Polish border.

Now Alina is waiting for the return of her border guard husband and dogs from captivity.

To support the girl, her friends gave her a spaniel that looks like her Sonya. 

"Reminiscent of a four-legged girl and the image of a girl with a dog on a mural in the square of her hometown. The artists dedicated this plot to Alina. The girl learned about it by chance from friends. And the opening of the mural took place on the day of Panina's release from captivity. It is true that on this day the border guard none of the organizers had any idea that he would return to his native land," the message reads. 

Photo: State Border Service of Ukraine

Now the girl is waiting for the return of her husband and service dogs from captivity. 

Defense of Mariupol

Mariupol became one of those cities that was the first to be attacked by Russian terrorists on February 24, 2022.

Ukrainian defenders bravely defended the city, while the Russian invaders mercilessly destroyed it, killing Ukrainians.

The exact number of civilian casualties is currently unknown, as the Russians are destroying evidence of their war crimes after occupying the city. 

The defense of Mariupol lasted from February 24 to May 20.

For 82 days, Ukrainian defenders fought for the city, being completely surrounded.

Read also:

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  • The Russian tricolor disappeared in the center of Mariupol (photo)

  • In Mariupol, the occupiers demolished a residential block in the Primorsky district (video)