On the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine, members of volunteer formations, and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity, commemorative events were held at the Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs (DSUIA).
The event was attended by members of the university leadership, including Police Colonel Ihor Kovalov, Vice-Rector Serhii Melnyk, officers, cadets, trainees of the Special Center for Police Training “Police Academy,” and military veterans.
The ceremony began with the National Anthem of Ukraine. Those present honored the memory of all those whose lives were taken by Russian aggression with a minute of silence. During the tribute, the names of Ukrainian Defenders who died in Russian captivity or were tortured to death by the occupying forces were read aloud.
This year, Ukraine is observing this Day of Remembrance at the national level for the first time. The commemorative date was established by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in 2025 and is dedicated to the anniversary of the Olenivka tragedy, where, on the night of July 28–29, 2022, Russian occupying forces killed Ukrainian prisoners of war.
As part of the event, participants watched the documentary “Olenivka. Curators of Evil,” dedicated to one of the most tragic crimes committed by Russia against Ukrainian prisoners of war. The film served as another reminder of the price of freedom, the importance of preserving historical memory, and the inevitability of accountability for war crimes.
Eternal memory to the Defenders of Ukraine and to all those who were innocently tortured and perished in captivity.
— 10