A memorial event for fallen soldiers was held in downtown Mykolaiv

On the morning of July 12, a traditional event took place in downtown Mykolaiv during the nationwide minute of silence. About 40 residents, carrying flags and holding signs, paid tribute to the Ukrainian soldiers who died defending the country.

According toSuspilne.Mykolaiv, participants called on drivers and pedestrians to stop at 9:00 a.m. and pay their respects to the fallen defenders.

Among the participants was a local resident named Svitlana. Her husband is currently being held captive by Russia, and her son, Oleksandr, was killed while carrying out a combat mission in the Zaporizhzhia region.

According to her, her son had served in the National Guard since the start of the full-scale war and took part in the defense of Mykolaiv. He later transferred to the “Karadag” Brigade of the Assault Guard, where he was killed by a sniper’s bullet.

“I’m here now to honor his memory. Remembrance isn’t a duty—it’s a choice to be human,” said Svitlana.

According to Alla Tkachenko, an inspector with the National Police’s Preventive Communications Sector, about 40 people joined the event.

As a reminder, discussions are ongoing in Mykolaiv regarding the name of the future memorial space dedicated to Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilian hostages, and those missing in action.The Toponymic Commissionhas proposed three options, and the families of the servicemen have put forward their own suggestion. 

You canvote for the memorial’s name on the e-DEM e-democracy platform. 

Earlier, on June 21,remembrance eventswere held in Mykolaiv and Pivdennoukrainsk in support of Ukrainian prisoners of war and defenders who are considered missing in action. The events were attended by the families of the servicemen, volunteers, and concerned residents.

Similar events are held regularly in citiesacross the Mykolaiv regionand other regions of Ukraine. Participants emphasize that public support helps keep the issue of returning prisoners of war and searching for defenders missing in action in the public eye.

For example, on Marine Corps Day,a motorcadewas held in support of prisoners of war and defenders missing in action. Marines, servicemen released from Russian captivity, and the families of soldiers who have not yet returned home joined the event.

Андрій Колісніченко