Worse than Azkaban: J. K. Rowling replies to Ukrainian marine released from Russian captivity – photos
J. K. Rowling has responded to a letter from Ukrainian marine Oleksandr Ivanov, a fan of her work who spent more than four years in Russian captivity. While in captivity, he retold the story of the Harry Potter series to his fellow prisoners.
Source: Ukraine WOW and the A-BA-BA-GA-LA-MA-HA publishing house
Details: Oleksandr's wife, Nelli, and their son, Demyd, were waiting for his return. During that time, Nelli wrote to Rowling, describing her husband and how the Harry Potter books supported him in his darkest moments.
"Stories about the boy who lived helped prisoners not lose hope even in a place worse than Azkaban," the publisher said.
Ivanov was freed from captivity on 15 May 2026, and on 31 July – the birthday of both J. K. Rowling and Harry Potter – his family received her reply.
Quote from Oleksandr: "When I was in captivity, I could not even imagine that one day I would receive a letter from J. K. Rowling. Her books helped me and my fellow soldiers not lose hope, and her words became a great support for me. I am very happy and deeply grateful," the serviceman said.
The British author sent a letter with personal wishes and signed a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for Oleksandr.
"Dear Oleksandr. I hear you are a great fan of "Harry's" and of the comfort the stories gave you during your captivity in Russia. I am so very happy to hear that you have been released and have returned home to Ukraine and wish you a long and happy life going forward."
Oleksandr, also known as Finik, served in the 36th Marine Brigade, which defended Mariupol at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, according to The Ukrainians Media.
After being wounded, Oleksandr and his comrades were captured. He survived imprisonment in occupied Olenivka, Russia's Taganrog, Bryansk Oblast, Vladimir Oblast and a penal colony in Mordovia.
Oleksandr is a devoted Harry Potter fan who knows all seven books nearly by heart and even has themed tattoos. His wife and friends would bring a wand with them to prisoner exchanges.
After finally returning to Ukraine, he took a photo wearing a Gryffindor T-shirt, which went viral on social media, with Ukrainians widely welcoming him home.
He is currently recovering and undergoing rehabilitation after his captivity.
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