Ukrainians Commemorate Olenivka Prison Explosion

On Sunday, Ukrainians gathered in Kyiv’s Independence Square to mark the second anniversary of the Olenivka prison explosion, which killed over 50 Ukrainian detainees held by Russia. Speakers at the solemn event urged the government to intensify efforts for prisoner exchanges, voicing anger and frustration over the situation. Sgt. Kyrylo Masalitin, a survivor of the explosion, expressed feelings of helplessness and emphasized the need for those still in captivity to know they are not forgotten. While Russia claims the explosion resulted from a Ukrainian missile strike, investigations by the Associated Press and an internal UN analysis suggest that Russian forces were responsible for the attack. Despite this evidence, the UN has refrained from publicly accusing Russia. Two years later, many Ukrainians continue to seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.