July 28 – Ukraine officially commemorates for the first time all those who fell victim to the cruelty of the Russian occupiers: defenders, volunteers and civilians who were tortured, executed or died in captivity as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. In the fight for the independence, state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, they died from brutal violence during the Russian occupation. According to official data, 53 prisoners died, more than 130 were injured. The defenders of Mariupol, who withstood the conditions of complete encirclement, lack of ammunition, water and communications, should have been protected by international humanitarian law. Instead, the enemy treacherously executed Ukrainian prisoners of war.
In support of public initiatives and in order to honor the memory of the dead, fallen and prisoners, today representatives of the Department of Family, Youth and Mass Events of National and Patriotic Education of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, together with representatives of the Mangush Settlement Military Administration, the Sartan Settlement Military Administration, the Mariupol District Military Administration and the Department for Veteran Policy of the Donetsk Regional State Administration joined the events and laid flowers.
Ukrainians are gathering together today to honor the memory of the dead, support the families of the fallen and prisoners, speak about the truth and remind: those responsible for this crime must be punished.
We remember everyone.
We will not forgive.
We will fight on.