Russians brutally tortured because of their surname. A soldier from the 53rd brigade died after returning from captivity

According to glavcom.ua: Valery Zelensky, a chemist by profession, met his future wife in Luhansk region. After working at the 'Azot' plant, he became an operational officer and worked there for six years, dreaming of a career in the police since childhood. Possessing potential for better positions, he rose in military rank from private to sergeant.

A serviceman of the 53rd separate mechanized brigade Valery Zelensky, who spent three years in Russian captivity, returned to Ukraine on May 25, 2025. But on June 16, the 57-year-old man's heart stopped from the torture endured, Valery's daughter told 'Suspilne'.

During the offensive, when volunteers were being sought for the storm, Valery decided to join. Despite the promises of Ukrainian law enforcers, he had to fall into the hands of Russian forces, which horrified his family. For three years, they had no information about his fate until they received a message on social media and a letter with an address in the basement.

After May 25, a large-scale prisoner exchange took place in Ukraine, but Valery was exchanged earlier amidst endless torture and the infliction of which led to his tragic death on June 16.