He Survived Russian Captivity. Not Its Consequences. | Anastasiia Savova

Oleksandr Savov survived Russian captivity and finally returned home in 2025.

But captivity had already taken an enormous toll on his body.

After years of inhumane treatment, Oleksandr came home severely weakened. He wanted to exercise again and rebuild his strength, but doctors warned him that his body was simply too fragile.

Even the first moments with his family were shaped by what captivity had done to him. His daughter Anastasiia couldn’t simply hug her father when he returned — Oleksandr had contracted active tuberculosis while in captivity.

A few months after his release, he died.

Now Anastasiia is telling the story her father can no longer tell himself.

She shares what Oleksandr told her about Russian captivity, including the punishment cell prisoners called “the rubber room,” the treatment he endured, and his struggle to return to a normal life after coming home.

While her father was still a prisoner, Anastasiia began advocating for Ukrainian POWs. She continues that work today — fighting for those who remain in captivity and making sure her father’s voice does not disappear with his death.

Because release from captivity does not always mean the suffering is over.

And because these stories must continue to be told.

These are not stories inspired by real events.

These are real events.

▶ Watch Anastasiia tell her father’s story in her own words.

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This audio was produced with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.