Azov soldier dies in Russian captivity, Ukraine's Ombudsman requests Russia provide details

The defender's daughter and the Russian media outlet Mediazona reported the information.

The death of Oleksandr Ishchenko was revealed during a hearing at Russia's Southern District Military Court, which was reviewing the cases of Ishchenko and 23 other Azov prisoners.

The cause and date of Ishchenko's death are unknown.

Oleksandr Ishchenko was 55 years old. Before the full-scale war, he served as a sailor. After February 24, 2022, he joined the territorial defense to defend Mariupol, later joining the Azov regiment as a driver.

Russian forces captured Ishchenko in the spring of 2022 in Mariupol.

The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, reported that Russia has not officially informed Ukraine about the death of Oleksandr Ishchenko and the cause of his death.

Lubinets said, “I learned about the death of 55-year-old Oleksandr Ishchenko, a defender from Mariupol who was wrongfully convicted by Russia and held in a Russian detention center. According to his daughter, he died nine days ago.”

The Ombudsman has urgently requested the "Russian Ombudsman" to investigate Ishchenko’s death and provide information on the circumstances and cause of his death.

“We have also informed the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations about this tragedy. We want these organizations to record the death of the prisoner of war and to investigate the conditions under which Ukrainian defenders are held. Ukraine demands that Russia strictly follow the Geneva Conventions by providing necessary medical care and setting up a mixed medical commission to help repatriate all seriously ill and wounded prisoners,” emphasized Lubinets.

Azov Regiment confirms soldier's death

The Azov Regiment's press service has confirmed to Suspilne that Oleksandr Ishchenko has died. The death certificate issued by Russian authorities lists the date of death as July 22, 2024. A medical certificate dated July 25 states: “The cause of death could not be determined due to putrefactive changes in the organs and tissues of the corpse.”

“Information about the death of Azov fighter Oleksandr Ishchenko in Russian captivity has been confirmed. This death is yet another act of atrocity by the Russian Federation against Azov prisoners of war. The occupying country has once again demonstrated its disregard for moral principles, international conventions on the conduct of hostilities, and the treatment of prisoners of war. While the 12th Azov Brigade continues to adhere to all rules regarding the detention of Russian prisoners and is replenishing its exchange fund, Russia continues to torture and kill our fighters daily,” stated the Azov Regiment's press service.

• Russian forces executed more than 110 Ukrainian soldiers while in captivity. The International Criminal Court is also investigating cases of torture of Ukrainians in detention.