On July 29, 2025, hundreds gathered at Independence Square in Kyiv to mark the third anniversary of a deadly explosion at the Olenivka prison in eastern Ukraine. The tragic event claimed the lives of over fifty Ukrainian soldiers who had surrendered and were being held as prisoners of war. The solemn ceremony included military personnel, civilians, and families of the victims coming together to remember those who died and to demand justice.
What’s going on Olenivka Detention Site?
In the night between July 28 and 29, 2022, an explosion destroyed a sleeping barracks at the Olenivka facility in Russian-occupied Donetsk Oblast. Many of the prisoners were members of the Azov Regiment from Mariupol. At least 53 Ukrainian POWs were killed and more than 75 were injured.
The cause of the explosion remains deeply contested. UN investigators, weapons experts, and other international observers say Russian forces likely planted a bomb inside the prison to demolish it and cover up prior torture or mass executions. The UN explicitly questioned Moscow’s account that a HIMARS rocket strike caused the damage.
Growing Call for Justice and Peacekeepers
During the anniversary event in Kyiv, Ukrainian officials and survivors urged the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to call for a full and independent investigation. They stressed that international law demands accountability when POWs die in questionable circumstances.
Victims’ families held photos of their lost relatives and lit candles, emphasizing that Russian forces still hold many soldiers in captivity. Several participants demanded the return of survivors and proper treatment for all detained Ukrainians.
International Experts Support Ukraine’s Version
Investigations carried out by arms forensics specialists, satellite image analysts, and UN commissions strongly question Russia’s version of events. The US Central Intelligence Agency and the Institute for War Studies concluded that the damage did not match a HIMARS strike but aligned with an internal explosion.
The UN human rights office said it could not identify the source of the explosion, but confirmed that an external rocket did not cause the prison deaths Investigators repeatedly asked for access to the site and prisoners but were denied security guarantees from Russian-controlled authorities.
Painful Memories and a Call to Action
Three years after the Olenivka tragedy, Ukrainians still feel its deep and emotional impact. Mourners at Independence Square honored the memory of those lost and still detained with respect and determination. Ukraine continues to demand answers and justice from the international community.
Through solemn remembrance and international pressure, Kyiv reminds us all that a nation’s dignity lies in how it protects its defenders even in captivity. The anniversary serves not only as a day of mourning but also as a step toward accountability and hope for future peace.
