Russian state showed footage on television on Friday that featured two U.S. military veterans who disappeared last week while fighting in the Ukraine war.
The footage confirmed that they were taken hostage and causing fears for their fate.
Alex Drueke and Andy Huynh Andy Huynh, both of Alabama, are thought to have been the very first Americans to be captured by Russian forces after the war began in February. 24.
Drueke spoke to the camera, which was believed like an office had left a message for his mother. The news was concluded with a quick smile.
“Mom, I’m here to inform you that I’m still alive and would like to return home shortly. Be. So, I love Diesel for me, and I love you.” Diesel is his mastiff dog.
Citizens missing us in Ukraine- Alabama family service member believes he could be captured-
Dianna Shaw is Drueke’s aunt. She claimed that the video contained unspoken words and gestures they had previously discussed during his tours in Iraq to confirm his identity and to know her that it was okay.
R.T. broadcasted the news in English in which it said they were two Americans who had been separated from their group after they stumbled upon a Russian police patrol and surrendered. Russian-backed separatist forces are incarcerating the two men, according to the report.
The U.S. has insisted that any captured person must be classified as a prisoner of war and guaranteed fair treatment and humane trials. However, there is a difference between both. The Russian military has claimed that it views foreigners fighting with Ukraine as mercenaries and asserts that they are not considered combatants per the Geneva Conventions.
A reporter from the Russian state-owned TV. network VGTRK made short videos of two males speaking Russian and declaring, “I am against war.”
There is no U.S. or Russian government confirmation that the Americans were held.
The State Department said earlier this week that it was investigating the reports suggesting that Russian forces, or those backed by Russia, had taken two American citizens. It also reiterated its caution that Americans shouldn’t go into Ukraine to engage, a warning reiterated Friday by President Joe Biden.
When asked about the disappearance of Americans before when the Russian videos surfaced, Biden said he had been briefed about the issue but didn’t provide further details.
“I don’t know where they are, and I want to be clear that Americans should not be going to Ukraine,” said Biden.
