Ukrainians in Malta call for action on third anniversary of Azovstal defenders’ capture

On the third anniversary of the fall of Mariupol’s Azovstal steel plant – a sprawling industrial complex that became a symbol of Ukraine’s resistance during Russia’s siege – the Foundation for the Ukrainian Community of Malta has issued a public appeal to the international community, urging renewed attention to the fate of Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia.

The statement comes as the world is reminded that Ukraine’s largest steelworks served as the final stronghold for thousands of Ukrainian defenders during the brutal 86-day siege of Mariupol. On May 20, 2022, 2,449 service members surrendered to Russian forces under assurances of protection under humanitarian law. 

“1095 days in captivity — that’s how long two-thirds of Mariupol defenders, including 850 servicemen from the Azov Regiment, have now endured the so-called “honorable” captivity,” the statement reads. “They chose the path of honor, giving everything for Ukraine’s freedom.”

The foundation directed its appeal specifically to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations, urging these organizations – both of which had provided guarantees regarding humane treatment, proper conditions, and medical care for the prisoners.

“However for three years now, the ICRC has been denied access to Ukrainian POWs. This is a direct grevious violation of the Geneva Convention,” the statement says.

The community also called for a renewed investigation into the deadly attack on the Olenivka prison in Russian-occupied Donetsk Oblast on July 29, 2022, demanding accountability and compliance with international humanitarian law — including the provision of adequate medical care and humane conditions for prisoners.

Most Azovstal defenders were imprisoned there at the time of the deadly attack that Kyiv blames on Moscow.

In a broader plea, the statement urged Pope Francis, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the wider international community to push for a long-delayed “all-for-all” prisoner exchange.

The Ukrainian community also appealed to fellow Ukrainians not to forget about the captured defenders.

“Mariupol is not just a dot on the map. It is a hero city that held out until the very end. […] The world has no right to remain silent about Mariupol and the fate of its Defenders,” the statement reads. “Captivity is not silence. It is a scream. And we are obligated to hear it. Glory to Ukraine! Freedom to the prisoners!”