On July 28 - 29, Ukraine commemorates the Day of Remembrance for Ukrainians Tortured and Killed in Russian Captivity, honoring prisoners of war and civilians who lost their lives while unlawfully detained by Russia.

At least 406 Ukrainians are known to have died in Russian captivity. Among them were 53 servicemembers of the 12th Special Forces Brigade "Azov", who were killed in the explosion at the prison barracks in occupied Olenivka on July 29, 2022. More than 130 Azov defenders were injured in the attack.

Four years later, Russia has still not returned those who survived the explosion, and many remain in captivity under inhumane conditions. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, 96% of released Ukrainian prisoners of war reported being subjected to torture.

The anniversary is a reminder of the urgent need to secure the release of all Ukrainians held in Russian captivity and to ensure accountability for the Olenivka war crime.