Three years in captivity, four months of freedom: Serhiy Hanus’s story ended in an accident
9 September 2025 18:35
Serhiy Hanus was a 24-year-old Ukrainian soldier who returned from Russian captivity in April 2025 after three years of captivity. His story was supposed to be a symbol of invincibility, but it ended tragically: a few days ago he died in a car accident, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Birth and youth
Serhiy was born in 2001 in the village of Kostiantynivka, Kharkiv region.
Since childhood, he was active and patriotic.
Military service
Participant of the anti-terrorist operation.
After the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, he again stood up to defend Ukraine.
In October 2022, he was taken prisoner by Russia.
Returning home
on April 19, 2025, he was released during a large-scale prisoner of war exchange.
Together with him, 276 other Ukrainian defenders, mostly young people under the age of 25, returned home.
The tragedy
In September 2025, Serhii died in a car accident.
The circumstances of the accident are not disclosed, but the death of the soldier shook the community.
Iryna Karabut, head of the Krasnokutsk community:
“The bright memory of Serhiy will forever remain in the hearts of his fellow countrymen. He is an example of courage, love for the Motherland, devotion to family and friends.”
Life after captivity is a challenge, not an end
Serhiy’s story is not only about heroism, but also about vulnerability, because returning from captivity is not the end of the struggle, but a new stage.
Many liberated soldiers face psychological trauma, social isolation, and lack of support.
Serhiy’s death is a painful reminder that even after liberation, the war continues to claim lives.
