Free Azov protests see sharp decline: from 2,000 to 150 attendees in four years

Since May 2022, when the last defenders of Mariupol left the Azovstal plant, over 700 soldiers of the Azov regiment remain in Russian captivity. To draw attention to their fate, relatives formed the 'Association of Families of Azovstal Defenders' and have been holding weekly 'Free Azov' rallies in Kyiv since December 2023, with similar events on Saturdays in other cities.

Initially, the rallies gathered up to 2,000 participants, but attendance has dropped sharply, according to Ukrainska Pravda. Patrol police data show that in April 2026, the number was 300-350, falling to about 150 in May. Organizers cite poor weather, many participants leaving the country or joining the military as reasons for the decline.

Participants include both relatives of prisoners and former captives. Natalia Kravtsova shared the story of her son Artem, a dog handler in Azov, who has been in captivity for five years. His dog Fury was killed in Mariupol, and Artem was wounded in the Olenivka explosion. He now faces a long prison sentence in Russia.

Yulia, whose brother is missing in action, says society must not forget the war. Former civilian prisoner Kostyantyn Davydenko attends to support Azov fighter Rustam Gochaliyev, whom he shared a cell with.

Co-organizer Olga Andrianova emphasizes that participation provides moral support to families and shows that society cares. She hopes numbers will increase in summer but notes that maintaining weekly rallies for four years is already a significant achievement.