Ukrainian marine freed after three years in captivity has died eight months later
Oleksandr Savov, a Ukrainian marine and defender of Mariupol, has died eight months after returning from Russian captivity.
Source: Oleksandr's daughter Anastasiia Savova, founder of the Marine Corps Strength Association
Quote: "Today my dad passed away. For those who wish and are able to pay their respects – the funeral will take place in Mykolaiv… Captivity kills even after release."
Details: Oleksandr Savov served in the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, took part in the defence of Mariupol, and was among the marines who managed to break through to Azovstal. After weeks of defending the city and withdrawing from the steelworks, he spent 1,153 days in Russian captivity.
His daughter Anastasiia founded a community for the families of captured marines and campaigned for her father's release through awareness actions and advocacy trips.
On 19 March 2025, Oleksandr returned home as part of a prisoner exchange. Welcoming him, his daughter unfurled the Marine Corps flag.
However, the family's struggle did not end there. He returned home gravely ill – suffering from the consequences of torture, tuberculosis, skin infections and lymphoedema in his legs.
"Before captivity, we had very few photographs. Life didn't seem fragile, but now I record every minute, every glance, every smile. Because now I know the true price of memory.
For almost three years, together with others, I raised my voice for him, for his brothers-in-arms and for all prisoners of war. For the right to be free, for the humanity that war tries to break. And I continue to do so for those still in the torture chambers.
Dad taught me to be strong. Not to be afraid, to believe in myself even when surrounded by darkness. To stay true to my principles, to speak the truth even when it is hard. And most importantly – to be kind to people," Anastasiia shared.
Details about the funeral will be announced on Anastasiia's social media pages.
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