On May 31, the Center for Civil Liberties and the Kateryna Osadcha Foundation, in collaboration with the XII International Book Arsenal Festival, will host a poetry reading focused on themes of captivity. 

“Hold on! I’m holding on!” is more than a slogan—it’s a heartfelt message from prisoners to their families, friends, and the broader community. The poster for the event features an illustration by Serhii Ofitserov, a Kherson resident captured in his parent’s apartment and currently detained at the Lefortovo detention center on false terrorism charges.

The event will showcase works by renowned Ukrainian poets including Serhii Zhadan, Tetiana Vlasova, Tonia Kornuta, Natalka Heiman, Yuliia Musakovska, Anna Malihon, Maryna Ponomarenko, and Oksana Stomina, whose husband remains in captivity. Contributions from prisoners such as Serhii Tsyhipa, founder of the Tavrian Games, Nariman Dzhelialov, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, and Andrii Holubiev, a trainer from Melitopol, will also be featured. Their works will be brought to life by actors Akhtem Seitablaev, Kateryna Vyshneva, and Roman Yasinovskyi, along with human rights activist Oleksandra Matviichuk. The event will be hosted by Kateryna Osadcha.

Journalists wishing to attend must apply for accreditation by May 27.

• casualties
• culture
• prisoners
• Kyiv

Since the start of the all-out russian invasion, hostilities have impacted 20% of Ukraine’s territory, leading to the capture or deportation of hundreds of thousands of civilians. Their homes have been looted and destroyed, and liberated lands have been left heavily mined. The exact number of civilian prisoners and deportees remains unknown, and there are no established legal mechanisms for their return.

Ukrainian authorities, in collaboration with European institutions, are actively seeking ways to bring back Ukrainians who were forcibly deported to russia and belarus.

List of participants and speakers:  

• Iryna Korobko, spokesperson for the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine;
• Maria Mezentseva, Member of the Verkhovna Rada, Head of the Permanent Delegation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe;
• Oleksandr Tolokonnikov, Head of Internal and Information Policy Department of Kherson Regional Military Administration (online);
• Oleksandr Baulin, Head of Kurylivka Village Military Administration, Kupiansk District, Kharkiv Region (online);
• Khrystyna Shkudor, “Where Are Our People?” campaign advocacy manager, PR Army NGO;
• Yuliia Khrypun, co-founder of the NGO “Civilians in captivity”;
• Oleksandra Romantsova, Executive Director of the Center for Civil Liberties.

Prior accreditation is required.

• casualties
• prisoners
• russian crimes

The Association of Azovstal Defenders’ Families and the Animalism by UAnimals Shop have launched a unique clothing collection—animals waiting for their owners’ release from captivity series. Two years ago, following orders, Mariupol’s defenders left the Azovstal plant, and most have been held captive since. The entire country, along with their Ukrainian fighter’s families, friends, and pets, eagerly awaits the return of these heroes.

The Association of Azovstal Defenders’ Families partnered with the Animalism by UAnimals store for this collection. Kateryna Prokopenko, head of the Association and wife of soldier Denys “Redis” Prokopenko, created the drawings. A talented illustrator designed a series, inspired by real animals waiting for their pet parents to come home freed from captivity.

For example, Chiara the female pit bull eagerly awaits Taras during his walks, always excited to see someone who resembles her owner from a distance. Oleksandr constantly carried his cat Marta in his arms, and before the full-scale invasion, he dreamed of taking her to a military base. Rem, the dog, enjoyed walking in the woods with his friend Serhii, but he became highly stressed by the noise of explosions after the invasion began. Sadly, Rem passed away before Serhiy was released from captivity. There are similar stories about other animals.

All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will go to the UAnimals humanitarian movement, which rescues animals affected by the war.

For reference: Denys Prokopenko, known by his call sign “Redis,” is a colonel and the commander of the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov” of the National Guard of Ukraine. A participant in the Russia-Ukraine war and a Hero of Ukraine, Prokopenko was captured by Russian forces in May 2022 after leaving the Azovstal plant in Mariupol. At that time, the highest military command had ordered the city’s defense to cease to save the soldiers’ lives. He was released from captivity in September 2022. 

The defense of Mariupol lasted 86 days and concluded on May 20, 2022.

• animals
• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• Kyiv

On May 18, Kyiv will host a special gathering marking the second anniversary of the Mariupol garrison’s fighters leaving the besieged Mariupol Azovstal steel plant, featuring the participation of families of prisoners of war and liberated Mariupol defenders.

Two years ago, on May 20, 2022, the final defender of the Mariupol garrison departed Azovstal as per orders. Since then, many of these brave defenders have remained captive, leaving their families in a state of uncertainty. The event’s organizers aim to highlight the magnitude of the Mariupol tragedy, honor the courage of its defenders, and underscore the ongoing importance of advocating for their cause.

Joined by the families of Mariupol’s fighters, attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the city’s pre-invasion era and its defense during the 86-day siege, including 82 days of complete encirclement.

The program will include a performance titled “Poems of a Military Soul” from the “Light of Art” project, presented by the Department of Cultural and Public Development of the Mariupol City Council and the independent theater of original plays, “Conception,” led by Oleksii Hnatiuk.

Event registration is required. 

• prisoners
• Kyiv

In Dnipro on May 19th, families of prisoners of war, missing, and fallen heroes will host an exhibition titled “HELD CAPTIVE FOR THE SECOND YEAR” as part of the “DON’T BE SILENT! CAPTIVITY KILLS!” campaign. This event commemorates the release of the defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal, who were expected to enter honorable captivity but instead endured two years of torment and imprisonment, including the Mariupol garrison soldiers.

The exhibition aims to recount the defense of Mariupol, showcasing the bravery of its soldiers and the tragic events in occupied Olenivka, Donetsk region, where many were wounded or killed. Visitors will have the opportunity to view photos of those who have spent two years in Russian captivity and honor the fallen heroes.

Throughout the exhibition, flags representing the units that defended Mariupol will be displayed prominently.

• casualties
• dead
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Dnipro

Georgian-born Rusudana Pavlichenko, found herself abroad attending her father’s funeral as the full-scale invasion unfolded. Her history with conflict traces back to childhood when, at the tender age of 10, she fled her first conflict, the war in Abkhazia, seeking refuge in Ukraine. Since then, she has called Ukraine home, living here throughout her adult years.

Rusudana’s husband, Serhii Pavlichenko, a stalwart defender of Ukraine against occupiers since 2014, bravely held the defense of Azovstal during the full-scale invasion before being captured. Tragically, he fell victim to a terrorist attack in Olenivka, a village within the occupied territory of Donetsk region, on the night of July 28-29, 2022. Left behind are their two children, Adelia, 10, and Nazar, 8.

Journalists seeking to delve into Rusudana’s story can arrange interviews with her in Cherkasy or online, by prior arrangement. 

Meanwhile, the Children of Heroes charity foundation has stepped in to support the grieving family. Dedicated to aiding children who have lost parents due to russia’s full-scale invasion, the foundation offers financial aid, psychological counseling, legal assistance, and ongoing educational opportunities until the children reach adulthood.

For reference: In the late hours of July 29, 2022, russia executed a terrorist assault, igniting an explosion within a barracks at the Olenivka penal colony, where Ukrainian prisoners of war were detained. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of at least 50 Azovstal workers amidst the turmoil.

• dead
• military
• occupation
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• women
• Cherkasy
• Mariupol

At the briefing, among other things, the participants will discuss how to rescue the fighters of the “Azov” brigade from captivity: what is already being done, and what still needs doing. In particular, they will talk about the prisoners of war who were injured during the terrorist attack in Olenivka, because their fate still remains unknown, and the Day of Remembrance for the defenders killed in Olenivka has not been officially allocated yet.

Participants:

Maria Alieksieievych — representative “Olenivka Families Community” NGO, wife of a twice-wounded defender of Mariupol;

Hanna Lobova — representative “Olenivka Families Community” NGO, the wife of a twice-wounded defender of Mariupol;

Anastasia Hondiul — representative “Olenivka Families Community” NGO “, the wife of a twice-wounded defender of Mariupol;

Tetiana Katrychenko — representative of the Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR),

Andrii Yakovlev — MIHR representative.

• casualties
• military
• prisoners
• Kyiv

Anatolii Levchenko, a prominent figure in Mariupol’s theater scene, who in 2015 spearheaded a new era of contemporary Ukrainian theater at the city’s renowned theater, previously labeled as a “russian” theater. Levchenko, along with his wife Hanna, cared for their non-verbal autistic son and his wife’s 90-year-old mother. When russian forces launched an offensive on Mariupol, the Levchenko family found themselves unable to evacuate promptly. While they successfully arranged their release in May 2022, Anatolii’s freedom was short-lived. He was apprehended by russian authorities the day prior, following betrayal by former colleagues turned collaborators.

Initially left in the dark about her husband’s whereabouts, Hanna later discovered he had been charged with extremism and transferred to occupied Donetsk. Over more than 10 grueling months, she tirelessly sent clothing, medications, and messages to the detention center. Occasionally, Anatolii would manage to call her, often in the dead of night. Throughout this ordeal, Hanna single-handedly cared for their autistic son, scrounging for food and water, and cooking meals over an open fire with the help of neighbors.

On March 9, 2023, Hanna’s phone finally rang with news of Anatolii’s impending release. However, his nearly year-long confinement had taken a toll on his health. In the summer of 2023, the family seized the opportunity to flee to Ukrainian-controlled territory, finding refuge in Kropyvnytskyi, Kirovohrad region. Despite the hardships, Anatolii resumed his theater work.

For reference: The battle for Mariupol raged on for 86 harrowing days until May 20, 2022, when russian forces seized control of the city. Human Rights Watch’s grim assessment puts the civilian death toll from russian shelling at a staggering 8,000, with thousands more left maimed and traumatized. Many suffered life-altering injuries, including loss of limbs, sight, hearing, or memory, often due to traumatic brain injuries inflicted by relentless explosions. By mid-May 2022, an estimated 400,000 residents, out of a pre-war population of 540,000, had fled Mariupol in search of safety.

• casualties
• culture
• occupation
• prisoners
• russian crimes
• Mariupol

During russia’s initial aggression against Ukraine in 2014, Halyna Klempouz was still a student but quickly immersed herself in volunteer work. In 2016, she decided to enlist in the military, undertaking various roles before specializing in aerial reconnaissance. However, her military service was cut short a year later due to personal tragedy—the loss of her father, and the need to care for her mother. Despite her eagerness to join the fight when full-scale invasion loomed, Halyna made a promise to her boyfriend, a defender of Mariupol, to remain in the rear until his safe return. Unfortunately, he was captured by russian forces alongside fellow Azovstal defenders, redirecting Halyna’s efforts toward advocating for Ukrainian prisoners. Today, she serves as a communication officer for the Association of Azovstal Defender’s Families. 

For reference: The defense of Mariupol lasted 86 grueling days, with Ukrainian forces eventually ceasing resistance and surrendering to the enemy on May 20, 2022, resulting in russian occupation.

• occupation
• prisoners
• women
• Mariupol

Soldier Karma, withholding her identity for safety, fled Luhansk in 2014 with her young daughter amidst militant occupation. A routine visit to her parents in 2016 turned into over three years of enemy detainment after she was accused of associating with detained football ultras. Despite her captivity, Karma’s daughter remained with her parents.

Finally, on December 29, 2019, Karma, alongside 75 others, was freed and returned home. Following rehabilitation, she resumed her studies, earning her diploma. A year later, she resolved to enlist in the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

While Karma maintains contact with her family, who still reside in the occupied territory with her daughter, she remains committed to her military service. 

Furthermore, she is stationed on the front lines and open to engaging with journalists online.

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• women