«We don't know if he's alive or not, we're just waiting.» Action in support of prisoners of war took place in Mykolaiv

15:45, 06 October, 2024

A traditional action in support of prisoners of war took place in the center of Mykolaiv, photo: NikVesti

On the central street of Mykolaiv on Sunday, October 6, the townspeople came out for a reminder action about prisoners of war and missing servicemen.

About 200 residents of Mykolaiv joined the action, reports NikVesti.

Among those present are members of military families, their relatives, friends and caring residents of Mykolaiv. Everyone's goal is to prevent society from forgetting that thousands of soldiers who defended Ukrainian sovereignty are in captivity of the Russian Federation.

One of them is the parents of a 36-year-old soldier who served in the 41st brigade. In December of last year, a man went missing during the fighting in the Kharkiv direction.

«We don't have any idea where he is or if he is,» says Ivan's mother, holding back tears. «We look, search, monitor the channels, but nothing. We submitted requests to Russia, but nothing. Perhaps they hid some information, it is impossible to know for sure. But their last answer is that they don't have a person with that name. Similarly, our command says that after the battle no one saw him either alive or dead.»

There is no information about the nephew and the family of the 22-year-old soldier who defended Mariupol, Dmytro Litvinov. Every Sunday, his younger sister and aunt go to the rally to emphasize the importance of the POW issue.

«He was in Mariupol and was captured there on March 22, 2022, when he was 19 years old. We've seen him on video and that's all we have of him. On the other hand, we have not received any confirmations, we have no contact and we do not know where he may be. We are waiting, that's all that remains,» Dmytro's aunt said.

The family of the 24-year-old marine of the 36th OBrMP Vladyslav is waiting for the third year of captivity. The boy was captured by the Russians while defending Mariupol. During the last exchange of prisoners, a soldier who was held together with their son was returned to Ukraine, says Ms. Marina. He said that no matter what, Vladyslav holds on and hopes for his return.

«On September 14, there was an exchange and Andrii, who was in the same cell with him in Russia, responded. He said that his son is waiting for an exchange, he is holding on, he is very strong. He says that my son has a lot to learn, because there are such boys who are already discouraged, hopeless in everything. And he does not lose heart. All the letters we write, he receives from us. This is what keeps him. And I only live, and stand, and lie down and wake up every day by this faith in return,» said the captive's mother.

In addition to relatives and family members, ordinary residents of Mykolaiv are also present at the events. It has already become a tradition for them and their children.

«I have no relatives in captivity and I started to leave not so long ago, but it has become very important for me. This is the minimum that I, as a person who lives a carefree life compared to our military, can do at all,» says Anastasia, a resident of Mykolaiv.