Oleg Mudrak, Defender of Azovstal, Has Died After Six Months in Russian Captivity

Oleg Mudrak, the commander of the 1st company of the Azov regiment and a defender of Azovstal, has died; his heart has stopped beating. The fighter spent six months in Russian captivity. This was announced on Instagram by his cousin, Daniil Mudrak.

“Mudrak Oleg Vasilyevich - major, hero, steel man, my uncle, my brother, my support, my pride, my beacon, and an example of character. I am sure he left this world without fear, accompanied by incredibly beautiful Valkyries, and on the same day he entered that hall where he saw his comrades, all of whom were waiting for him with honor…” he wrote.

The nephew did not disclose the circumstances of Mudrak’s death. However, the defender's wife, Ekaterina Prokopenko, stated on Instagram that the soldier’s heart could not withstand all the trials he faced.

“The heart of a soldier who passed through hell has stopped. The consequences of captivity and torture. I do not want to think about what awaits us, but we will definitely seek revenge,” she emphasized.

Journalist Stanislav Asseev posted a collage of two photos of Mudrak on his Twitter page, showing him before and after captivity. Photos of the emaciated soldier have circulated on social media as evidence of inhumane treatment of prisoners by the Russians.