Three years ago, Denys Matsola and Vladyslav Zhuravlov were captured. Their family, friends and colleagues kept it under the radar until recently, fearing for the guys’ wellbeing and in the hope of a potential prisoner exchange. But three years without any news or a change is too much. So we’re starting an open campaign.

Denys is Crimean IDP, a publicist, and a political scientist. He was among those helping internally displaced people, organised events and was a member of the union Priama Diia (Direct Action). Vlad, his comrade and brother-in-arms, had served as a marine since 2017. They were fighting for Mariupol as a part of the 501 Battalion. It was there they were captured.

For the last two years, Denys has been placed in solitary confinement in Detention Center No. 2 in the city of Kineshma (Ivanovo region, Russia). During three months in 2024, he wasn’t being properly fed. This poses a direct threat to his life. Vlad is also in russian captivity. We don’t have direct information about the conditions he’s in, but according to the eyewitnesses of former prisoners, we’re talking tortures, humiliation and constant pressure.

We, as a collective, hadn’t worked with Denys and Vlad before their capture. But those who knew them personally remember them as decent, empathetic and reliable friends. It is important to support them now, as three years of imprisonment is exhausting them mentally and physically.

We call on you to stand in solidarity. Here’s how you can help:

–Sign a petition to free Denys and Vlad

-Write them letters

-Organise an event on writing letters for POWs in your city, group or community

-Organise online meetings with those who know the guys personally. Contact us, and we’ll help facilitate it

-Make a graffiti or any other action in solidarity

-Share this post with the tag:
#FreeMatsolaFreeZhuravlev

Maksym Butkevych was recently set free, also thanks to community pressure and attention. We can do the same here.

Solidarity is stronger than prison walls.