Car Explosion in Donetsk Allegedly Kills Ex-Chief of Russia-Run Olenivka Prison Accused of War Crimes

A car explosion in Russian-occupied Donetsk may have killed Serhii Yevsiukov, ex-head of the Olenivka prisoner of war (POW) camp, notorious for alleged war crimes.

Russian Telegram channel Mash alleged that Yevsiukov was killed, though this has not been independently verified. According to Mash, the second victim, identified as Yevsiukov’s wife, was hospitalized in serious condition. Russian authorities, including the Investigative Committee, have launched a criminal investigation into the incident.

Yevsiukov was wanted by Ukrainian authorities on charges of murder, torture, and violations of war laws. The Olenivka camp, located in occupied Donetsk, became infamous after a July 2022 explosion killed over 50 Ukrainian POWs, most of whom were Azov Regiment members. Ukrainian officials attributed the blast to a deliberate attack by Russian forces using thermobaric munitions, while Russia blamed a Ukrainian HIMARS strike, a claim dismissed by international observers, including the U.N.

The car explosion has revived attention to Yevsiukov’s role in the Olenivka camp’s operations. Ukrainian prosecutors had charged Yevsiukov and his deputy earlier this year for their alleged involvement in crimes against POWs. A Kyiv Independent investigation had also highlighted his suspected role in torture and abuse at the facility.

Ukraine has not officially commented on the incident, and the claims about Yevsiukov’s death remain unconfirmed.