Attendance Drops at Free Azov Rallies in Ukraine
Since December 2023, weekly rallies demanding the release of Azov regiment prisoners from Russian captivity have seen attendance fall from around 2,000 to between 150 and 350 people.
Four years after the last group of defenders left the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, the number of people attending protests for the release of captured soldiers has significantly decreased. Initially, in December 2023, these events drew up to 2,000 participants, but now, according to patrol police estimates, the figure has dropped to between 150 and 350.
In total, 2,449 soldiers were captured from Azovstal, approximately 1,400 of whom belonged to the Azov unit. To date, over 600 have been released, while more than 700 remain in captivity. The exchange process is complicated because Russia labels Azov a terrorist organization and sentences its members to long prison terms.
Participants cite several reasons for the decline: many have joined the military, left the country, or are deterred by bad weather. Organizers hope attendance will rise in summer. A regular attendee notes that some acquaintances have enlisted but return to rallies when possible.
Activists emphasize that these gatherings are crucial for reminding the public about prisoners of war and providing moral support to their families. One participant says that even small groups can maintain focus on the issue. New strategies are being explored to attract attention, including collaborations with motorist communities and social media campaigns.
