In the spring of 2014, the Donetsk region found itself at the epicenter of turbulent events: for the first time, Russia—having shed its mask as a friendly neighbor—began seizing Ukrainian territory using pro-Russian mercenaries and, later, its regular army. Numerous settlements found themselves under occupation. Ukrainian activists were abducted, imprisoned, and tortured.
It was then, at the height of the occupation, on May 22, 2014, that a solitary protest took place in the central square of occupied Druzhkivka.
Despite the fact that the flags of the occupying state were flying everywhere in the city, and fully aware of the risks, local resident Anatoliy Danylovych Vodolazkyi went out to the city’s central square carrying the National Flag of Ukraine. It was a silent protest against attempts to divide our state, against the occupation, and against the replacement of the blue-and-yellow flag with foreign symbols.
Within 10 minutes, pro-Russian mercenaries appeared in the square and took Anatoliy Danylovych to a torture chamber in Kramatorsk. A day later, the man returned home, his body broken.
In memory of Anatoliy Vodolazsky’s courageous act, Druzhkivka celebrates Day of Honor on May 22. A date born in the heart of one citizen, in an act that became a symbol of dignity. And on this day, we honor not only courage, but also human dignity, resilience, and loyalty to Ukraine.