MOSCOW – Two Ukrainian sailors injured in the Kerch Strait, Andriy Artemenko and Andriy Eider, have recovered at the Matrosskaya Tishina infirmary and can be transferred to the Lefortovo detention facility upon rehabilitation, Moscow Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Potyayeva told Interfax on Jan. 22.
“Two sailors – Andriy Artemenko and Andriy Eider – are completing their rehabilitation. They can be discharged and transferred to Lefortovo,” Potyayeva said.
The third injured person, Vasyl Soroka, has almost recovered but continues to receive therapy, she said.
Potyayeva said she visited the three sailors and inquired about their health on Jan. 22.
“Artemenko, who had an arm injury, has fully recovered and is undergoing a course of rehabilitation. In fact, he is healthy, not troubled by anything, and not in pain,” she said.
Eider, who suffered severe injuries to both legs and was unable to move, is also well, she said.
“The casts have been removed, and he no longer needs crutches, because he can walk and exercise. His wounds have healed, and his locomotive abilities have been restored. He has no health complaints,” Potyayeva said.
Soroka’s severe arm wound has healed and the cast has been removed, but there is still some swelling, she said.
“A resistance band has been purchased for him; he is exercising and receiving everything he needs under medical supervision. He is being treated with baths, and his wound is dressed regularly. He has recovered 80 percent, but the remaining 20% will require rehabilitation,” Potyayeva said.
The sailors are interacting well with their cellmates and officers of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), and the response to their requests is swift, she said.
The three have accounts and can order goods from the penitentiary’s online store, Potyayeva said.
“Artemenko complained that he placed an order several days ago but did not receive the package. His package arrived in full today. He also asked for a TV in his cell so that he could watch the news. The head of the FSIN Moscow branch, Sergei Moroz, said that the request had been received and would be processed and that a response would be given by the evening,” she said.
Potyayeva said she personally delivered letters and New Year’s cards from the sailors’ families to Lefortovo and Matrosskaya Tishina.
