Creation of a memorial space commemorating the tragedy of captivity near the Council of Europe square is planned in Mykolaiv

A memorial space dedicated to the tragedy of captivity will be created in Mykolaiv near the Council of Europe square. Photo: NikVesti

On 15 January, the first discussions were held in Mykolaiv on the creation of a space of support and remembrance for families waiting for their loved ones to return from captivity, families of those who died as a result of torture in captivity, as well as for military personnel and civilians who have returned from captivity.

The first concepts for the space were presented by the city's chief architect, Yevhen Poliakov, according to a NikVesti correspondent.

He explained that a section of Sadova Street between Manhanarivskyi Square and the Council of Europe Square, specifically the section leading to the monument to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, had already been selected and agreed upon with the Mykolaiv City Council and the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration. As Yevhen Poliakov noted, at the request of the families of military personnel and civilians who were held captive, the right side of the road may be closed to create a space free from traffic noise and with a wider pedestrian zone.

The section that will be allocated for the memorial space. Photo: screenshot from the presentation

The area that will be allocated for the memorial space. Photo: NikVesti

The area that will be allocated for the memorial space. Photo: NikVesti

During his speech, Yevhen Poliakov proposed two possible ways to implement the project: holding an architectural competition, which, according to his estimates, could take more than a year, or involving families with members who have experienced captivity in the development of the concept. The second approach, according to the architect, would be faster — approximately 11–12 months — but would require active participation from the public.

A space commemorating the tragedy of captivity will be created in Mykolaiv near the Council of Europe Square. Photo: NikVesti

A space commemorating the tragedy of captivity will be created in Mykolaiv near the Council of Europe square. Photo: NikVesti

During the event, three possible concepts for the design of the space were also presented:

• «The Path» — in the form of a symbolic trail that will pass through arches and portals and tell the stories of people who survived captivity;

The «Path» concept. Photo: Screenshot from the presentation

• «Light» — installations using internal lighting and light effects;

The «Light» concept. Photo: Screenshot from the presentation

• «Voice» — the creation of stands with video or audio materials where everyone can hear short stories, people's voices, and see their faces and expressions.

The "Voice" concept. Photo: Screenshot from the presentation

At the same time, the organisers emphasised that these are not the final options, and in the future, the idea of the space may develop in a completely different direction. At the end of the meeting, each of the participants had the opportunity to express their own feedback and expectations regarding the future appearance of the space.

A space commemorating the tragedy of captivity will be created in Mykolaiv near the Council of Europe square. Photo: NikVesti

A memorial space dedicated to the tragedy of captivity will be created in Mykolaiv near the Council of Europe square. Photo: NikVesti

In particular, Halyna Hrytseniak, a combat medic in the Marine Corps and defender of Mariupol, who was taken prisoner and returned home in January 2024, hopes that elements of the black and white «Flag of Hope» will appear in the design of the space.

Halyna Hrytseniak. Photo: NikVesti

The Flag of Hope is a project initiated by Serhii Volynskyi, which has become a symbol of support and remembrance for those who are in captivity or missing. Galina is the coordinator of this project and communicates directly with the families of prisoners and those who have already returned. She emphasises that the colours of the flag are extremely important to all prisoners.

Flag of Hope. Photo: Mykolaiv City Council

«It is more like a folk flag and lives its own life... Black is like the darkness of captivity, the darkness of slavery, the darkness of loss. The darkness in which you disappear without a trace when you are taken captive, when your family is waiting for you. And white is like the light of returning home,» she said.

As a reminder, there are plans to create a rehabilitation centre based at the hospital in Pervomaisk.