The Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs (DSUIA) hosted a meeting between university cadets, trainees of the Special Center for Police Training “Police Academy,” and military veterans Oleksandr Hryshchuk and Iryna Koponova, who survived Russian captivity.
The event was held as part of the commemoration of the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine, members of volunteer formations, and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity.
During the open discussion, the veterans shared their combat experience, spoke about their military service, the hardships they endured, and their return to civilian life. Particular attention was given to the price of freedom, personal resilience, and the support that helps people overcome the consequences of traumatic experiences.
The event was moderated by Police Lieutenant Colonel Nataliia Karnaukh, Head of the University’s Department of Social and Humanitarian Work.
Oleksandr Hryshchuk and Iryna Koponova emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of Ukrainian servicemen and civilians who never returned from Russian captivity. According to them, every such story deserves to be heard, and the names of those who were killed or tortured must be preserved for future generations.
The cadets and trainees had the opportunity to ask the veterans questions and learn about the importance of mutual support, the strength of comradeship, and the role of moral resilience in the most difficult circumstances. This direct dialogue enabled participants to hear personal testimonies about events that have forever changed the lives of thousands of Ukrainians and become part of Ukraine’s modern history.
The meeting served not only as an opportunity to express gratitude to the veterans for their courage and resilience, but also as an important platform for reflecting on the value of human life, freedom, and dignity.
Such events help foster among students a responsible attitude toward historical memory, a deeper understanding of the consequences of Russian aggression, and an awareness of every individual’s responsibility to preserve the truth about what the Ukrainian people have endured.
Honoring the memory of those who were killed and tortured in captivity, while supporting those who returned, remains a shared responsibility of Ukrainian society.
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