Ukrainians in Norway rally for release of Azovstal defenders

The Ukrainian community in Norway staged a rally in Oslo on May 26 to demand the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and defenders of Azovstal – a sprawling steel plant that was their last bastion of defense during Russia’s 86-day siege of the portside city of Mariupol in the easternmost region of Donetsk. 

The organizers reported that “many defenders of Mariupol, fighters from Azovstal, and brave marine infantrymen remain imprisoned by Russia. They are subjected to torture, denied medical care, and kept without access to international protection.” 

Attendees called for the immediate release of all Ukrainian POWs, the safe return of Azovstal defenders and marines, respect for international humanitarian law, and justice for all those who have sacrificed themselves.

“They cannot speak out now, but we must speak for them! Our heroes are not forgotten. They must come home! There is no freedom without them, no victory without them. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!” the community said.

The event was organized by the Ukrainian community in Norway with support from the Heart in Action charity foundation

The community also expressed gratitude to the event’s speakers: Ukraine’s Ambassador Oleksiy Havrysh, Amnesty International Norway political adviser Ane Tusvik Bonde, Ukrainian soldier Bohdan, who was held captive by Russia, Mariupol activist Danylo Rebro, and activist Maryna Mykhalchuk, whose brother remains in Russian captivity.

“We also thank our talented young singer Anna Handzii for her powerful voice, as well as the choirs Zhuravlyna and Kvitka,” the community said.