Kyiv, Ukraine (29) — On Sunday, thousands of Ukrainians gathered at Kyiv’s Independence Square to commemorate the second anniversary of the Olenivka prison explosion, which killed over 50 Ukrainian soldiers detained by Russian forces.
The emotional ceremony highlighted the ongoing struggle for those still held captive and called for increased government action to secure their release. The Olenivka explosion remains one of the war’s most tragic episodes, with conflicting accounts about its cause. While Russia claims that Ukrainian forces fired a missile that hit the prison, investigations and internal U.N. analyses suggest that the explosion may have been orchestrated by Russian forces.
At the ceremony, impassioned speakers urged the Ukrainian government to intensify efforts for a prisoner exchange. The event drew a large crowd, including soldiers and civilians, who stood in solidarity for those affected by the tragedy. Sgt. Kyrylo Masalitin, a survivor of the explosion, expressed the collective frustration and determination to secure the release of those still in captivity. “I was there in Olenivka. I was rocked by the explosion,” Masalitin said. “Never before have I felt so helpless. And those still in captivity feel that helplessness every day. They must know that we have done everything we can do to get them released.”
The ceremony also featured the Azov brigade, with over 300 soldiers participating in a solemn tribute. They recited prayers and held red flares to honor their comrades.
Many attendees were families of the victims or those currently imprisoned by Russia. Halyna Stafiichuk, 71, whose son is among the captives, shared her ongoing anguish. “I’m crying every day. I’m just praying for a note from him that says he is OK and that he will be home soon,” she said. “We trust that God and our government will bring all our soldiers back.”
The event underscored a broader call for action, with many attendees demanding that the Ukrainian government exert more pressure on Russia to facilitate the release of prisoners of war, including those captured during the defense of Mariupol and other key locations.
