“Captivity kills even after release”: Oleksandr Savov, Azovstal marine who testified about torture, dies
17 November 17:15
The death of marine Oleksandr Savov, a defender of Azovstal and a former prisoner of war of the Russian Federation, has once again drawn attention to the consequences of torture experienced by Ukrainian soldiers in Russian colonies. Only eight months ago, he was returned from captivity in serious condition.
The death was reported by his daughter Anastasia, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
The daughter wrote:
“Captivity kills even after release.”
The soldier will be buried in Mykolaiv.
What is known about Oleksandr Savov
Savov served in the 36th Marine Brigade and was among the defenders of Azovstal in Mariupol. In the spring of 2022, he was taken prisoner by Russia, where, according to his testimony, he was subjected to beatings, torture and humiliation.
His return home in March 2025 was not only long-awaited, but also traumatic for him – he was physically and emotionally exhausted. Doctors diagnosed him with tuberculosis, skin lesions and lymphostasis of the legs. During the first meeting, Savov was even afraid to hug his daughter, lest he hurt her.
He also told journalists about the so-called “receptions” – beatings and torture during the reception of newly arrived prisoners in the colonies. And medical care, he said, was more like experiments.
Savov’s death is not an isolated case
Ukrainian human rights activists emphasize that a significant number of those released from Russian captivity need long-term treatment and psychological rehabilitation. In some cases, the consequences of torture become inevitable.
Kyiv insists that international organizations have access to places where Ukrainian soldiers are held, but Russia consistently blocks such inspections.
The UN, the Council of Europe and the ICRC have repeatedly called on Moscow to comply with the Geneva Conventions, but the scale of torture reported by the released prisoners indicates a systemic nature of violations.
Savov’s family promises to announce the details of the burial in the near future.
