Mariupol defender, 22, describes his captivity in letters
Mark Mykhailov, a 22-year-old Mariupol defender, has been held captive in Russia for four years after being captured at the Azovstal steel plant. His family and friends can communicate with him only through letters. In one of them, Mark sent a poem to his mother.
Source: Mark's friend Zlata in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda.Zhyttia (Life)
Details: Zlata also shared the letters Mark has sent from captivity.
"I have known Mark since school. We were in the same class and also lived in the same block in Mariupol. He always brought a smile to people's faces near the drama theatre, performing card tricks – he was fascinated by them. He also loved playing football," the young woman recalled.
On 24 February 2022, 18-year-old Mark went to defend his native Mariupol, The Bridge Media reports. In April, he suffered a shrapnel wound to his neck during the fighting, as well as other injuries and concussion. A month later, after the defence of Mariupol, Mark was taken prisoner.
His loved ones managed to establish correspondence with him only four years later, in April 2026. At the time, he said he weighed just 54 kg. His family does not know his current weight.
His health has deteriorated significantly during his time in Russian captivity. Mark has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and damage to both lungs requiring urgent treatment.
On 18 March 2026, a Russian court sentenced Mark to five and a half years in prison on charges of participating in a "terrorist organisation". This is how the Russian side classifies his affiliation with the Azov Brigade.
In one of his letters, Mark described being transferred from Volgograd. On 11 September 2026, he was taken away for transfer. He later ended up in Izhevsk. Before the journey, Mark tried to take care of the most important thing – making sure his loved ones received word from him.
"Having written a letter to my mum and my friend Zlata, I was left alone with my thoughts," Mark said.
The young man said he is glad to have the opportunity to communicate, at least through correspondence, which had not been possible before.
"Reading the letters from my friends and loved ones, I realise that ordinary life is going on, with its intrigues, quarrels and life as usual. I reread a letter from my friend and realised how much he has grown up," Mark wrote.
In his letters, the young man reflects on his life after 2022.
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pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/09/25/8055065/
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