Dmytro Kanuper’s 'The Crust': A Former Azov Fighter’s 886-Day Captivity Memoir to Be Released in English and French

Dmytro Kanuper’s Book 'The Crust'

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Dmytro 'Rasti' Kanuper, a soldier from the Azov regiment, has written a powerful memoir titled The Crust that details his harrowing 886 days held captive by Russian forces. Translations into English and French are underway, with a planned publication date in the fall of 2026. The initial print run sold out entirely through pre-orders, and readers can expect to receive their copies by August 2026. The project originated following a conversation between Kanuper and Olena Mandziuk in Kramatorsk.

The Crust presents firsthand accounts of Russian war crimes and sheds light on the brutal culture of humiliation and cruelty endured by Ukrainian prisoners of war. Kanuper shared reflections on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of remembrance:

"These stories must never fade into silence. They need to be heard by your voice, engraved in your heart, and passed on to your friends, family, and children. We must never forget who the true enemy of Ukrainians is and ensure that Russia is held accountable for its crimes. All Ukrainian captives deserve to come home." Dmytro Kanuper

He also expressed hope and gratitude that the first thousands of readers will soon hold the book in their hands and share its truth widely: "They will talk about it with friends, relatives, and children, ensuring the memory of Russian atrocities endures. This is how a vital chain of memory and truth is built and shared." The book’s team is dedicated to completing the translations so that "this truth resonates far beyond Ukraine’s borders," underscoring that "the world must recognize Russia as a nation of killers, torturers, and terrorists."

Returning Soldiers from Captivity

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has initiated regular meetings with coordinators representing families of fallen, missing, and captive servicemen. A significant milestone was reached on August 24, 2026, when ten soldiers were released from captivity via Belarus. All had been defending Ukraine in the Donetsk region. Before their return, these soldiers were listed as missing; two had been unaccounted for since 2024, and the remaining eight since 2025.

Kanuper also spoke candidly about the emotional challenges of recalling his ordeal:

"The hardest part was knowing that as I relived these memories, my comrades are still enduring the same torture and abuse in Russian captivity-facing beatings and starvation even now." Dmytro Kanuper

The Crust is not only a personal testimony but also a call to raise awareness of the ongoing suffering of Ukrainian soldiers and the war crimes committed against them.

The release of The Crust marks a crucial step in exposing military atrocities and preserving the memory of prisoners of war. Making the book accessible to international audiences through translation will broaden global understanding of Ukraine’s struggle. Meanwhile, the return of captive soldiers reflects Ukraine’s ongoing commitment to securing the freedom and dignity of those affected by this conflict.