Odessa Honored the Memory of Those Killed in Olenivka and Tortured While in Russian Captivity

The memory of those who did not return from Russian captivity brought together military personnel, veterans, volunteers, and concerned citizens in downtown Odesa. After a moment of silence, the participants emphasized that the fight for justice continues not only on the front lines but also within society.

This was reported by an Intenta correspondent.

A memorial event was held on Deribasivska Street in downtown Odesa, dedicated to those who died in Olenivka and all Ukrainians who were tortured to death in Russian captivity. Those present honored the victims with a minute of silence, after which the participants appealed to the authorities and the public not to forget the prisoners of war and to support Ukrainian defenders.

<picture></picture>Juan Leyva García. PHOTO: Intent

Among the participants was Odessa native Juan Leyva García —a marine with the 36th Separate Marine Brigade and a defender of Mariupol and Azovstal, who spent more than three years in Russian captivity. Since his release in August 2025, he has been undergoing rehabilitation, volunteering, and regularly participating in events in support of prisoners of war and those missing in action.

In a comment to an Intent correspondent, Juan Leyva García noted that the event that day also served as a continuation of public protests against the resignation of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

<picture></picture>Honoring the memory. PHOTO: Intent

According to him, the rally was attended by military personnel, veterans, volunteers, representatives of the defense-industrial complex, civic activists, and cultural figures. He noted that the participants respect the democratic principle of government decision-making but consider it their right to openly oppose measures that, in their view, could undermine the country’s defense capabilities during wartime.

“We have gathered here today to remind everyone that even though we live in a democratic society, we reserve the right to protest against decisions that are blatantly suicidal,” said Juan Leyva García.

He also emphasized that the government must listen to the public and act in the interests of the state and the military. In his view, certain personnel decisions could have serious consequences for the front lines, which is why the protesters are calling for a review of the defense minister’s dismissal.

“We want our executive branch and our president to hear us. We want the current and effective Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reinstated so he can complete the reform of the army,” the military officer stated.

Since returning from Russian captivity, Juan Leyva García has been undergoing rehabilitation, engaging in volunteer work, and regularly participating in rallies in support of prisoners of war and defenders of Ukraine who are missing in action.

<picture></picture>Honoring the Memory. PHOTO: Intent

At the end of his speech, the soldier emphasized that the protesters’ main demand remains for the state to heed the voices of the military, veterans, and the families of those still held captive in Russia.

After the ceremony, the participants continued their traditional protest, now in its 13th day. They expressed their opposition to the decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and stated that they want the authorities to hear them.

In addition, over the course of three auctions, the protesters raised nearly 20,000 hryvnias to donate to volunteer Serhiy Sternenko for “Rusoriz”—a fundraiser for FPV drones for the Ukrainian military. 

Анна Бальчінос