On February 24th, Russian troops invaded Ukraine and within days had besieged the strategically important port city of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov. One of the most famous Ukrainian Armed Forces Regiment is Azov Brigade. Azov and a few other ZSU brigades defended Mariupol for many months to Russia’s detriment, often outnumbered and outgunned 10:1. Their bravery and sacrifice bought Ukraine enough time to make sure Russians didn’t make it to Odessa. Only the bravest and best soldiers are chosen to serve in the Azov Regiment, that’s why Russia has been spreading misinformation about it for the past 8 years, even attempting to declare this regiment a terrorist organization and threatening to publicly execute all the Prisoners of War taken from this unit.
Mariupol has fallen, and after months of horrendous fighting under the rubble of AzovStal Steel Plant, hundreds of remaining fighters were given orders to turn themselves in to save lives of the few remaining soldiers. Their safety and prisoner exchange was guaranteed by the Red Cross and the United Nations, but unfortunately neither of these large organizations have been able to accomplish what they have hoped. Months in captivity have been horrendous for the Ukrainian Prisoners of War, since Russia doesn’t follow any rules of the Geneva Convention.
“Some of us had needles stuck in our wounds, some were tortured with water,” Vladislav Zhajvoronok, 29, said in an online press conference. Vladislav was one of the lucky wounded prisoners to be exchanged in July of 2022. His bones are said to have been broken by the targeted blows during a month and a half of captivity. We are lucky to have him in San Diego this weekend and he will be attending and speaking at our rally. Please, come to show your support for the heroes who are defending Ukraine.
