A series of commemorative events was held at Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs to honour the defenders of Ukraine, members of volunteer units, and civilians who were executed, tortured or died in captivity.
The university community began the day with a nationwide minute’s silence. During this, the names of Ukrainian soldiers – particularly those from the Ministry of Internal Affairs – whose lives were tragically cut short whilst in enemy captivity were read out. Furthermore, as a sign of deep mourning and respect, staff and students wore black ribbons throughout the day as a symbol of the enduring memory of the fallen.
The programme continued with commemorative ceremonies at the memorial monument on the university campus and at the «Fortress Ramparts» memorial complex in Kropyvnytskyi. Police officers laid flowers and lit memorial lamps and candles, paying tribute to the soldiers who did not return from captivity. The «Memory Endures» memorial event was particularly moving, bringing participants together in shared grief and gratitude.
The final stage of the events was a screening and subsequent discussion of the investigative documentary «Olenivka: Curators of Evil», which focuses on the tragic events surrounding the deaths of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Olenivka. The film provided an opportunity to reflect on the crimes committed against Ukrainian defenders and served as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical truth and national memory.
