Before and after photos of captured Ukraine soldier shocks social media

Mykhailo Dianov was one of 205 Ukrainian prisoners of war released on Wednesday.

The time he had done in Russian captivity turned him into all skin and bones, emaciated to the point of death.

A photo of him shared on Twitter by The Ukrainian defence ministry on social media showed bruises on his arms and pallid face.

The two large eye-bags stand out as the stamp of his suffering at the captivity.

He was detained earlier this year while fighting to defend the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol.

The Ukrainian defence ministry termed him one of the lucky ones to survive the Russian captivity.

"Ukrainian soldier Mykhailo Dianov is among the fortunate ones: in contrast with some of his fellow POWs, he survived Russian captivity," the defence ministry wrote in the caption and added that "This is how Russia "adheres" to the Geneva Conventions. This is how Russia continues the shameful legacy of Nazism."

Dianov's sister, Alona Lavrushko said that her brother remains in serious condition at a Kyiv Military Hospital, requiring long-term treatment.

The shrapnel in his arm, according to Lavrushko, was pulled out using rusty pliers without putting him on anesthesia—obviously during his time in Russian captivity.

Subsequently, Dianov lost 4cm of bone on his arm, it was reported.

Lavrushko added that the doctors at the military facility refused to operate on him as it was dangerous because he was still looking wraith-like requiring first gaining weight to withstand surgery.

She said that Dianov is mentally strong and is greatly happy for getting back home walking and breathing clean free air.

Meanwhile, Dianov's daughter has started a fundraiser for the soldier's treatment and rehabilitation.