500 people held a rally in support of captured Ukrainian defenders in Kyiv
Relatives of Azovstal defenders and other prisoners of war came out to rally and remind the world a large number of Ukrainian soldiers are still in Russian captivity and need help, stated according to an NV report on Feb. 11.
The action took place near the Dorohozhychi Metro Station. It was attended by about 500 people. Among them were serving soldiers.
"I am from Kakhovka, Kherson Oblast, which is currently occupied,” said one protester.
“There are Russians there who came to ‘liberate us.’ And they liberated us from everything: from our homes, from peace. We go out and fight for our relatives. We are waiting for them to return.”
Read also: Russian POWs thank Ukrainians for humane treatment during recent exchange – video
Some participants have been waiting for their relatives for almost two years.
"Maxim. He is a good friend of mine. I have been waiting for him for 21 months. He was defending Azovstal," said another participant.
On Dec. 7, 2023, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported that approximately 28 thousand Ukrainian civilians are held in Russian captivity, about 2 thousand of them citizens over the age of 65.
He added that there are also thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and political prisoners in captivity who also need help.
The last prisoner exchange took place on Feb. 8. Another 100 heroes returned home. Most of them had defended Azovstal.
Read also: Russian POWs thank Ukrainians for humane treatment during recent exchange – video
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