Extreme lack of water and microscopic food portions — these were just some of the many forms of torture at Olenivka prison in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region, where Russia holds captured Ukrainian defenders and civilians.

Yevhen Malik, a defender of Mariupol who was held in Russian captivity for 2.5 years, is a witness to these crimes.

In July 2022, Russia carried out the mass murder in Olenivka, killing over 50 defenders and wounding more than 130 – a deliberate and premeditated crime. Russia has blocked independent investigators from the site ever since.

Political, diplomatic, and sanctions pressure must increase to ensure Russia is held accountable.