President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has marked the anniversary of the Olenivka incident, paying tribute to Ukrainian prisoners of war who died or were injured during the night of 28–29 July 2022 and reiterating that Kyiv will seek the return of those still held in Russian custody.
Remembrance and the call for returns
In a Telegram post released on the anniversary, the president described the deaths as the result of a brutal attack on troops held in captivity and warned that the episode demonstrates a disregard for human life. He underlined Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of both military personnel and civilians from detention.
“Every year on these days, we in Ukraine honor the memory of our people killed in Russian captivity. On the night of July 28-29, the Russians killed our people in Olenivka — brutally, treacherously, and with absolute cynicism.”
Zelenskyy highlighted international assistance in mediation efforts and noted the number of people who have been returned from Russian custody since the full-scale conflict began. He expressed gratitude towards those involved in prisoner releases and appealed for continued support from global partners.
Extent of casualties and detainee situation
Official figures cited in the statement record the human toll from the Olenivka blast and the broader repatriation effort to date:
- Deaths in Olenivka (night of 28–29 July 2022): more than 50 prisoners of war
- Wounded in that incident: over 100 individuals
- People returned from Russian custody since the full-scale war began: 9,613
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Deaths at Olenivka (night of 28–29 July 2022) | More than 50 |
| Wounded in the same attack | Over 100 |
| Returned from Russian custody since escalation | 9,613 |
The president also reminded the public that dozens of survivors of the Olenivka explosion — specifically those who suffered severe wounds — remain detained in Russian facilities and reportedly lack adequate medical care, while facing the risk of criminal proceedings brought against them.
International context and memory
Zelenskyy framed the anniversary as evidence of the nature of the Russian state’s conduct towards Ukrainian detainees and urged that the events not be forgotten. He called for continued international support for mediation and prisoner exchanges and paid tribute to those who have died.
The statement ends with expressions of remembrance for the dead and thanks to those assisting in efforts to secure freedoms and protect lives, reiterating the administration’s stance that crimes committed against Ukrainians in captivity must be remembered and addressed.
