Heart gave out after captivity: Oleksandr Savov, a marine and defender of Mariupol, passed away in Mykolaiv region

Oleksandr Savov and his daughter Anastasiia Savova. Photo: Anastasia Savova

A marine and defender of Mariupol, Oleksandr Savov, who returned from Russian captivity eight months ago, has died in Mykolaiv region. He was only 46 years old.

The news of the loss was reported by his daughter, the founder of the Association «Strength of the Marines» Anastasiia Savova.

Oleksandr Savov was a volunteer who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2015. He joined the Marines in his native Mykolaiv, where a new brigade was being formed after the Russian occupation of Crimea.

In 2022, as a member of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, he took part in the defence of Mariupol and was one of those who managed to break through to «Azovstal». Later, after an order from the command, he surrendered together with his brothers and sisters and spent only 1153 days there. The man was held in Olenivka and later in Taganrog and Kursk, Russia. All the time, according to his family, Oleksandr was subjected to torture and psychological pressure.

Oleksandr Savov after his release from captivity on 19 March. Photo: Anastasiia Savova

His daughter, Anastasiia Savova, founded a community of families of captured marines and has been fighting for her father's release all along — speaking at reminder rallies, raising the flag of the 36th Marine Brigade during advocacy trips and communicating with officials.

Only recently, on 19 March 2025, Oleksandr Savov returned home as part of an exchange. However, the captivity did not pass without a trace for the soldier: Oleksandr returned seriously ill.

«After the Russian captivity, his health deteriorated rapidly. I no longer recognised the strong, athletic, robust man he used to be. In captivity, he was beaten heavily on the head, which caused organic changes in the brain, especially in the temporal and frontal lobes. He suffered from severe migraines, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, hallucinations», said Anastasia Savova.

Support those who keep the city informed every day

Club NikVesti — a place where the reader and the editorial team are on the same side.

Members have access to a private chat, an exclusive newsletter with behind-the-scenes stories from journalists, see the news earlier, and influence the changes.

Join us. Together we keep the city bright

One-time support Monthly

€ 1 € 2 € 10

Donate

€ 2 € 5 € 10

Secure payment

The recipient of donations is the NGO “Mykolaiv Media Hub” (EDRPOU 45160758). By making a donation, you confirm that the amount is non-refundable and may be used by the NGO to implement its statutory activities, including supporting independent journalism and creating socially significant content. Public offer.

According to her, her father needed constant treatment, and the number of diseases was such that he would have to recover throughout his life. But the heart was the decisive factor. Oleksandr Savov died on 16 November, the Day of Remembrance of the Fallen Ukrainian Marines.

«My dad taught me to be strong. Not to be afraid, to believe in yourself, even when it's dark around you. To be true to your principles, to tell the truth, even when it's hard. And the most important thing is to be kind to people», the girl said.

The editors of NikVesti express their sincere condolences and support to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.

Earlier, on 15 October, after a long illness, Borys Dudenko, CEO of the municipal enterprise «Mykolaivvodokanal», passed away . He had been at the helm of the company since 2016.