From Now On, July 28 is the Day of Remembrance for Defenders of Ukraine, Volunteer Formations, and Civilians Executed, Tortured, or Perished in Captivity

The corresponding resolution was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. This date holds special significance. It was on the night of July 28–29, 2022, that one of the most horrific crimes of this war took place — Russian troops attacked the Olenivka penal colony near Volnovakha, where dozens of Ukrainian prisoner-of-war defenders of Azovstal were held.

As a result of this terrible terrorist attack, at least 53 Ukrainian Defenders were killed, and over 130 sustained injuries of varying severity. This cynical and ruthless crime against our warriors is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and a demonstration of cruelty and absolute immorality of Russia.

Captivity is one of the heaviest manifestations of war, as it is in captivity that people frequently endure torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, and other grave violations of international humanitarian law. According to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, over 95% of Ukrainian prisoners of war are subjected to systematic torture. Torture, starvation, beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, and forced 'confessions' are the daily reality of thousands of Ukrainians in Russian captivity.

Victims of Russian captivity are not only military personnel and members of volunteer formations. Civilians have also been held captive — journalists, volunteers, local government representatives, civic activists, and residents of temporarily occupied territories who refused to accept the occupation or supported Ukraine. Many of them were executed, tortured, died as a result of brutal treatment, or remain missing. The exact number of those who perished in captivity remains unknown and is the subject of ongoing investigations.

Part of the bodies of the deceased have still not been returned to Ukraine, and the fate of many people remains unestablished. The establishment of the Day of Remembrance for Defenders of Ukraine, volunteer formations, and civilians executed, tortured, or perished in captivity aims to worthily honor the memory of Ukrainian service members, volunteer fighters, and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine in the struggle for independence, state sovereignty, and territorial integrity, who became victims of brutal violence during Russian occupation, to perpetuate their heroism, civic courage, resilience, selflessness, and fortitude, and to strengthen patriotic sentiments in society.

We have no right to forget this bloody tragedy — as well as all other tortures and murders of our people in enemy captivity. Neither today, nor in the future.

This pain is in our hearts forever. We remember and will not forgive. And we will do everything so that the world knows the truth.