«You are their voice on the outside»: a march down Soborna Street in support of prisoners of war took place in Mykolaiv

A peaceful rally in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: «_nikvesti»

On Saturday, 12 April, a march in support of prisoners of war and missing persons was held in Mykolaiv along the central Soborna Street.

The peaceful action was organised to mark the third anniversary of the captivity of the defenders of Mariupol, a correspondent for NikVesti reports.

According to Liliia Pershyna, head of the All-Ukrainian NGO «Association of Mothers and Wives of Defenders of Ukraine» in Mykolaiv region, about 200 people joined the peaceful rally.

«Today marks the third anniversary of the honourable captivity of the defenders of Mariupol — namely «Azovstal» and Ilyich Iron and Steel Works — who were taken prisoner. This silent action symbolises that the guys have no voice, but silence can also be loud. This is the format we chose when we marched along the main street of the city. The mirrors we used during the performance were lighthouses — the light of which we are trying to pass on to the boys so that they can hold on to», says Liliia Pershyna.

Liliia Pershyna, head of the All-Ukrainian NGO «Association of Mothers and Wives of Defenders of Ukraine» in Mykolaiv region. Photo: NikVesti

Participant Anna said that her sister's fiancé has been in captivity for three years. They have no contact with him, so they take part in the events to remind them of the prisoners who are still suffering and need support.

«We attend these events because our best friend and my sister's future husband has been in captivity for three years. He is a marine who defended Mariupol. Unfortunately, we have no contact with him — letters do not reach the colony where he is being held. That's why we have to use such actions to inform people that the prisoners are still there, under terrible torture and torment», the woman says.

Participant of the peaceful action Anna. Photo: NikVesti

Galina said that her son is a marine from Mariupol who is in captivity. «I had only one short letter from him in 2022, and no more communication».

«I have a son in captivity, from Mariupol. He is a marine with the 36th Brigade. In 2022, there was only one letter from him — just seven lines. And it was a dictation letter, because we checked all the letters. There was no more news. We know absolutely nothing about his health. With these events, we draw public attention to the fact that the war is ongoing, our people are in captivity, tortured, mocked and humiliated — just because they are Ukrainians», Halyna shared.

Halyna, a woman waiting for her son to be released from captivity. Photo: NikVesti

A peaceful rally in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

Peaceful action in support of prisoners of war and missing persons in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti

As a reminder, on 8 March, a rally was held in Mykolaiv to remind people of the Ukrainian military who are in captivity or missing.