In Ukraine, weekly protests are taking place across cities, urging the government and international community to prioritize the release of prisoners of war (POWs) held in Russia. These demonstrations, particularly in Kyiv, often focus on the release of Ukrainian soldiers captured while defending the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol during the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Since Spring 2022, these soldiers, along with thousands of other combatants, have been held in Russian captivity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a recent meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, displayed photos of Ukrainian POWs, emphasizing the severe impact of their capture.
Though Ukraine has not disclosed the current number of POWs, estimates suggest that over 8,000 Ukrainian soldiers are detained. In addition, approximately 37,000 Ukrainians—both military and civilians—remain missing, though the actual number could be much higher due to difficulties in accurate reporting.
While prisoner exchanges have occurred, the frustration of families and citizens is growing. Many feel that, despite international attention, the world is not fully grasping the extent of their suffering. As reported by Euronews’ Sasha Vakulina, the lack of clarity from the government about the fate of missing loved ones has further fueled public anger and demands for action.
