Day of Remembrance of Ukrainian defenders: UWC honors fallen heroes

The Ukrainian World Congress, on behalf of Ukrainian organizations and communities around the world, honors the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine who have given their lives in the fight for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

August 29 marks the tenth anniversary of the end of battles for Ilovaisk, which happened between August 6 to 29, 2014. During this period, Ukrainian forces made a powerful breakthrough from Russian encirclement, demonstrating extraordinary heroism and dedication to Ukraine. In the bloody battles, the Ukrainian army lost 366 soldiers, with 429 more wounded and 300 taken prisoner.

“Ilovaisk is not only a tragic event in Ukraine’s history but also a testament to Ukrainian resilience, an act of bravery and heroism by Ukrainian soldiers. Let us remember that despite the losses and the enemy’s deceit, our soldiers did not surrender but continued their breakthrough from the trap and their fight.

“This day will always remind us of the treachery and deceit of the Russian aggressor, of the fact that any negotiations with terrorists and murderers are a deadly endeavor, and that they cannot be trusted,” wrote General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“Thank you to Ukrainian mothers and fathers for their children who gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence and the freedom of the entire Ukrainian people. Your children are true heroes, their sacrifice is not in vain and is forever etched in the memory of our people,” Syrskyi declared.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, wrote that “We will always remember each and every person whose life was claimed by this war. And we will never forgive Russia for a single destroyed Ukrainian life.” 

Eternal memory and glory to the Ukrainian defenders who fell in the fight for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.