**Ukrainian Soldier Dies a Month After Release from Russian Captivity**
A 43-year-old Ukrainian soldier, Serhii Dobrovolskyi, has died just a month after his release from Russian captivity. The news was announced on June 21 by an official from Dobrovolskyi’s home region in Ukraine.
Dobrovolskyi was one of the soldiers released as part of a prisoner swap in May, where 1000 Ukrainians were exchanged for 1000 Russians. However, his release came too late, and he died just days after being welcomed back by his fellow townspeople.
This is not an isolated incident. Another Ukrainian soldier, Dmytro Shapovalov, also died unexpectedly in June, just a few weeks after his release from Russian captivity. Shapovalov was 32 years old when he passed away, reportedly due to heart failure.
**Russia’s Brutal Treatment of POWs**
The deaths of these two soldiers highlight the widespread and systematic torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Russian prisons. The United Nations has reported on this issue, stating that many Ukrainians have been subjected to brutal conditions, including torture, hunger, and psychological pressure.
The treatment of Ukrainian POWs is particularly harsh for those who were part of the Azov brigade, a unit known for their nationalistic values and their fierce resistance against Russian forces. Many Azov fighters have died in captivity or been sentenced to decades in prison on trumped-up charges.
**Escalating Conflict**
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with Ukrainian defenders fighting close to 695,000 Russian troops across a 1,200-kilometer front, the humanitarian crisis deepens. The United States has conducted air strikes on nuclear sites in Iran, and Russia has launched numerous attacks against Ukraine.
The situation is dire, with citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other countries being drawn into Russia’s war effort. Ukraine’s security service (SBU) is now teaching teenagers how to avoid recruitment by Russian intelligence online.
**Global Response**
As the world watches this conflict unfold, there are calls for greater international action. The Ukrainian government has made several decisions in light of Russia’s overt threats, including a diplomatic overhaul and intensified sanctions efforts.
Ukraine is currently in talks with Denmark, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania on weapons development partnerships. However, the global response to this crisis remains inadequate, and more needs to be done to support Ukraine and its people.
**Read More**
To learn more about this story and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, visit [kyivindependent.com](https://kyivindependent.com).
