Kyiv: Dynamo Kyiv Ultras Demand Release of Veteran from Captivity

The Case of Volodymyr Orden Yakovenko

According to Главком: In Kyiv, supporters of the Dynamo Kyiv football club have released a series of photos showing banners calling for the release of fan Volodymyr Orden Yakovenko from captivity. A veteran of the Aidar and Azov units, Yakovenko has been held captive for nearly four years. Occupying forces illegally sentenced him to 18 years in a strict-regime prison. The Dynamo ultras demand his priority inclusion in prisoner exchange lists, involvement of the ICRC for an independent medical examination, and immediate repatriation in accordance with international law.

Volodymyr Orden Yakovenko is a Group II disabled person, has an aortic prosthesis following heart surgery, and requires constant medical supervision and medication that are unavailable in captivity. In their appeals, the ultras state:

“The situation is critical: Volodymyr is a Group II disabled person. He has an aortic prosthesis after a complex heart surgery. He needs constant medical oversight and medications that are not available in captivity.”

They call for action, emphasizing that “according to Articles 109-110 of the Geneva Convention, seriously ill prisoners of war are subject to mandatory repatriation without delay.” Failure to comply with these norms, the ultras argue, constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law and may be classified as inhumane treatment.

Football Match Results

Meanwhile, in sports news, all participants for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been determined. Ukraine’s national team lost to Sweden with a score of 1-3 in the playoff semifinal for the tournament. It was noted that teams finishing in the top two positions in their groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 16. Goals in the match were scored by:

• Ponomarenko (90+1)
• Gyökeres (6, 51, 72)

The Dynamo ultras stress that

“we remained silent for a long time for the sake of safety, but now it is time to speak loudly. Every day of delay is a risk to the life of a legend of our movement.”

They urge relevant authorities to urgently secure Yakovenko’s release, ensuring he receives proper medical care and can return home.

This situation underscores the importance of protecting prisoners of war’s rights and medical care, especially in cases involving critically ill individuals. The Dynamo ultras’ calls to international organizations reflect the broader humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, where many people face hardships due to the war. At the same time, football match outcomes, such as Ukraine’s defeat, highlight the challenges the country faces both on the field and in its socio-political life.

In a related development, the ongoing plight of veterans like Yakovenko highlights the urgent need for humanitarian actions in conflict zones. The call for the immediate exchange of another Azovstal veteran with similar medical needs underscores the critical situation faced by those who have served on the front lines. As advocates push for compliance with international laws, the stories of these individuals continue to resonate within the broader context of the war's impact on health and human rights.