For nearly three months, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers defended the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol against relentless Russian assaults, turning the facility into a potent symbol of resistance. Prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Mariupol served as a vibrant coastal city housing around half a million residents and was critical for Ukraine’s economy. This location had historical significance as it was the site of earlier conflicts during Russia’s first invasion attempt in 2014. In 2022, Moscow aimed to seize Mariupol once more, seeking to establish a land corridor between the annexed Crimea and occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, thus rekindling the cycle of conflict that had persisted for nearly a decade.
Anatolii Basenko, who had joined a volunteer battalion in 2014 to defend his home region, found himself compelled to return to Ukraine at the onset of the renewed invasion. Upon learning of the attacks on his capital, Kyiv, he made a swift decision to re-engage in the fight for his country. His journey to Mariupol unfolded rapidly: after joining a combat unit tasked with defending Kyiv, he became increasingly aware of the catastrophic situation in Mariupol, where civilians were sheltering in dire conditions. Driven by a sense of duty, he accepted a risky helicopter mission organized by Ukraine’s military intelligence to assist defenders at Azovstal.
The covert operation involved helicopters flying low to avoid detection and anti-aircraft fire, successfully facilitating the evacuation of wounded soldiers and the delivery of critical supplies to those under siege at Azovstal. Basenko and fellow soldiers noted a palpable sense of morale among the defenders, who found courage in knowing that help was arriving from outside, despite the extreme uncertainty of their circumstances. The leadership at Azovstal was marked by both strategic resupply efforts and a burgeoning internal community, demonstrated through the establishment of a radio project that maintained communication in an environment increasingly isolated from the outside world.
As the battle wore on, the situation only grew more precarious. Basenko’s unit faced significant dangers during attempts to retreat across the Kalmius River, resulting in serious injuries and casualties. After sustaining a critical wound himself, he experienced a harrowing spiral of medical emergencies marked by multiple surgeries and dire recoveries, which he miraculously survived. Similarly, fellow soldier Vladyslav Zhayvoronok suffered severe injuries from an anti-tank missile attack but was revived against the odds by a dedicated medic. Such experiences underscored the grim reality faced by the defenders as they fought against overwhelming odds.
Eventually, on May 16, 2022, the defenders at Azovstal were ordered to surrender. Basenko found himself taken prisoner along with countless others, entering a grim chapter of uncertainty concerning their fates. Despite official statements from the Ukrainian government expressing commitment to securing their release, reports emerged detailing severe mistreatment of POWs under Russian custody. Roughly 850 Azovstal defenders remained in captivity, alongside thousands of other Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, many of whom reportedly endured torture and abuse. This plight, as articulated by Basenko, demanded more attention from the international community.
Upon his eventual release in a prisoner exchange, Basenko experienced a surge of joy but remained acutely aware of the plight of those left behind. He used his voice to advocate for the treatment of POWs, decrying the lessened awareness of their suffering in the West. Yet, despite his traumatic experiences, he refrained from letting cynicism take root. Instead, he expressed hope and resilience, emphasizing the profound sacrifices made by his fellow defenders in the hopes of preserving peace across Ukraine. His love for Mariupol endured, underscoring a longing to return to a city free and under the Ukrainian flag, driving home the lasting impact of their struggle for freedom and sovereignty.
