UKRAINE, KHARKIV, Dec. 15 — On Dec. 14, a demonstration in support of Ukraine’s prisoners of war (POW) and missing in action (MIA) was held in Kharkiv. People — soldiers, activists, veterans, and, in general, city locals — gathered in the center of Kharkiv to remind the city about all Ukrainians who are currently captured by Russians or missing. Like the other demonstrations like this, it was called, “Don’t be silent! Captivity kills!”
Valeriia, a mother of Oleksandr, missing in action since April of 2022, joined the demonstration. The woman shared that her son had helped defend Mariupol, particularly the Azovstal plant.
The plant was held by Ukrainian soldiers as a last stronghold in the city and was besieged by Russian troops in the spring of 2022. In May 2022, Ukraine’s troops followed the order of the leadership, and soldiers and civilians went out of the plant’s territory. People from Azovstal were transported to Russian-controlled territories; most are still in captivity there.
“If it wasn’t for Mariupol, other cities would have fallen. Those defending it took a very strong hit,” Valeriia said.
Cover photo: Women holding signs, “You’re captivated by holidays; they’re in captivity on holidays” (on the left), “Captivity kills” (on the right) / Gwara Media, Anrii Henov
Read more
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- Ukraine keeps pushing Russian troops out of Kupiansk, frees civilian hostages, military says
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