(NewsNation) — Alex Drueke, a U.S. navy veteran held captive by Russian forces after becoming a member of the struggle in Ukraine, sees parallels between the present battle and the American Revolutionary Conflict.
“We had been a tiny little group of colonies that stood as much as a world energy that we felt was being a tyrant and proper now, that’s what Ukraine is doing,” Drueke advised Marni Hughes on NewsNation Dwell Monday.
These similarities had been high of thoughts for Drueke as he mirrored on the values People rejoice throughout the Fourth of July.
“[Ukrainians] actually do imagine in freedom and democracy they usually simply need the Russians out of their nation,” he stated.
The Military veteran served two excursions in Iraq earlier than going to Ukraine to take up arms in opposition to Vladimir Putin’s forces. He, and one other American, Andy Hunyh, had been captured by Russian troops in June after their unit took heavy hearth within the Kharkiv area.
Whereas in captivity, the 2 males reportedly endured bodily and psychological abuse, together with quite a few beatings. After 104 days, Drueke and Hunyh had been freed in a prisoner change brokered by Saudi Arabia.
On Monday, Drueke stated most of his bodily accidents have began to enhance after in depth surgical procedures.
He stated his jaw was “fully shattered” from the ordeal.
“We suspect that once they electrocuted me a number of instances with a automotive battery, that brought about the hairline fractures,” Drueke stated.
Since returning dwelling to Alabama, Drueke has continued to advocate for Ukraine, speaking with highschool lessons, civic teams and members of Congress in regards to the ongoing battle.
He’s additionally calling for added assist to the nation.
“If we give them what they should win this struggle, they’ll win this struggle,” Drueke stated. “We simply have to verify we give them what they want.”
It’s been nearly 500 days for the reason that battle started and there’s presently no finish in sight.
