Mariupol defender retold Harry Potter saga from memory while in captivity

Ukrainian marine Oleksandr Ivanov, who defended Mariupol and spent time in Russian captivity, returned home during a prisoner exchange on May 15. While held captive, he retold the Harry Potter series from memory to other Ukrainian prisoners of war, journalist Nataliia Nahorna reported on Threads.

Ukrainian marine Oleksandr Ivanov returned from Russian captivity as part of the May 15 prisoner exchange.

Oleksandr is a long-time fan of the Harry Potter universe. He used his knowledge of the series while in captivity, retelling all seven books to fellow Ukrainian prisoners of war. His loved ones said that some of the men who had never read Harry Potter became familiar with the entire story because of him.

Ivanov’s connection to the series began long before the full-scale invasion. He collected Harry Potter-themed objects and tattoos. While his family waited for his release, they brought items associated with the story, including a wand, an owl and Dobby socks, to prisoner exchanges.

As reported earlier, in 2024, Nariman Dzhelyal, Deputy Head of the Mejlis, was returned from Russian captivity.

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Images: Nataliia Nahorna / Threads