More than 50 Ukrainian defenders were killed in the terrorist attack in Olenivka, and another 130 were wounded — Main Intelligence Directorate
On July 28, on the Day of Remembrance for the Defenders of Ukraine Who Were Executed, Tortured, or Died in Captivity, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine recalled the terrorist attack at Olenivska Correctional Colony No. 120, which resulted in the deaths of more than 50 Ukrainian defenders in the summer of 2022.
Lieutenant General Oleg Ivashchenko, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, noted that this day is marked on the Ukrainian calendar as the Day of Remembrance for the Defenders of Ukraine—including members of volunteer units and civilians—who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity.
According to him, this date holds special significance, as for four consecutive years it has been associated with the tragedy in Olenivka.
“At the prison camp where the defenders of Mariupol were being held, the Russians carried out the largest terrorist attack against Ukrainian prisoners of war. More than 50 Ukrainian defenders were killed, and 130 were wounded. Many of those who survived the explosion have not yet returned home. We continue to fight for them and for all those held hostage in Putin’s torture chambers,” Ivashchenko emphasized.
The Main Intelligence Directorate also noted that the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War is working continuously to secure the return of Ukrainians from Russian captivity, as well as to repatriate the bodies of the fallen.
The head of Ukrainian intelligence called on Ukrainians to honor the memory of the fallen on this day by lighting a candle and emphasized that the fallen defenders will forever remain in the nation’s memory.
This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
As a reminder, July 28 is observed in Ukraine as the Day of Remembrance for the Defenders of Ukraine—including members of volunteer units and civilians—who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity during the Russian-Ukrainian war. This day is dedicated to those who survived captivity but were unable to return home, and it serves as a reminder of the crimes committed against Ukrainian military personnel and civilians.
