A rally in support of the captured defenders was held in Odesa

On Sunday, July 19, a traditional rally was held on Deribasovskaya Street in Odessa to honor Ukrainian defenders who are prisoners of war or missing in action. Odessa residents gathered on the city’s main street to remind people that these soldiers have still not returned from Russian captivity.

This was reported by an Intenta photojournalist at the scene.

  Participants held signs urging people not to forget about Ukrainian soldiers and to continue the fight for their return. The main goal of such events is to serve as a voice for those who have been held captive for a long time or whose fate remains unknown.

<picture></picture>Photo: Intent

Iryna Sukhorukova, the mother of a missing naval officer, attended the “Free Azov” rally in Odessa. She said she attends the rallies every Sunday to remind people of the captives and missing defenders.

“I really want people to remember that this is not just our pain, but the pain of the entire society. We must not forget anyone who defended our country. Not only their families, but all Ukrainians must remember them,” she emphasized.

Oleksiy Prytula, a veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a veterinarian from Odesa, also joined the rally. He noted that such events remain important regardless of how much time has passed since the start of the full-scale war.

<picture></picture>Ukrainian Armed Forces veteran Oleksiy Prytula/Photo: Intent

According to him, the events are dedicated not only to the defenders of Mariupol or the fighters of the “Azov” Regiment, but to all Ukrainian servicemen currently held captive by Russia. 

He also emphasized that regular support for the families of prisoners of war is of great importance, and that society and the international community must see that Ukraine has not forgotten its defenders.

“I can explain my personal motivation for why I participate regularly. For me, it’s first and foremost about supporting the families who are waiting for their loved ones. I have repeatedly witnessed how people who were waiting would attend these events every day, without fail, and how they would be reunited with their loved ones—and then come here together with them. And that’s truly moving,” Prytula said.

Ірина Глухова