Ukraine marks 4 years since the fall of Mariupol: An ongoing struggle for the release of prisoners
[71579] Ukraine marks 4 years since the fall of Mariupol: An ongoing struggle for the release of prisoners
In 25 cities across Ukraine, memorial ceremonies were held to mark four years since the heroic defense of Mariupol, calling for the release of over 2,000 fighters still in Russian captivity.
Ukraine marks 4 years since the fall of Mariupol: An ongoing struggle for the release of prisoners
Across Ukraine, today, May 22, 2026, marks the fourth anniversary of the end of the defense of the city of Mariupol. The memorial events were held in 25 different cities as part of the "Still in Captivity" awareness campaign, organized by Rinat Akhmetov's "Heart of Azovstal" project and supported by the Mariupol Military Administration.
According to reports from Ukrainian Telegram channels associated with the national narrative, including Труха⚡️Україна, УНИАН and ТСН, the events were intended to honor the 25 military units that defended the city for 86 days, 82 of which were under a complete siege. Each of the "I Am Mariupol" centers dedicated the event to a specific unit that fought on the front lines.
The alarming numbers presented at the events reflect the ongoing humanitarian crisis: according to the [UA Stream channel](https://t.me/UAStream24/491993092], over 2,000 defenders of Mariupol have been "1,462 days in Russian captivity." The organizers of the ceremonies, which were attended by released prisoners of war, family members of POWs, and veterans, emphasized that the struggle for their return home remains at the top of the national priority list.
The campaign highlights the importance of continued international and internal pressure for the release of the prisoners, who have been held in captivity conditions since the end of the fighting in May 2022. The events served as a platform to raise awareness of the situation of soldiers who have not yet returned, under the message: "We must fight for their liberation."