Defender of Mariupol and Azovstal: Dmytro “Orest” Kozatskyi

Dmytro “Orest” Kozatskyi is a Ukrainian soldier and photographer who fought with the Azov Regiment in Mariupol and at the now-famous Azovstal Steelworks. He was captured by Russian forces in May 2022 and spent four months in captivity. During the siege of Mariupol and since his release in September, Dmytro has used his photography to bring attention to Russia's war in Ukraine, earning the nickname “The Eyes of Azovstal.” Democracy Fellow Elina Beketova speaks to Dmytro to understand his role in wartime and post-war Ukraine. Which elements of Ukrainian resilience are key to their perseverance and resistance against Russia's invasion? And why should the West continue to support Ukraine?